Ukrainian flags, last year a common sight on the East Coast of the United States, are now noticeably absent. With the battles in the Donbas having dropped off the headlines, eclipsed for months by Gaza, this speaks truth to the national mood — but also to the politics in Washington. Whereas exactly a year ago Volodymyr Zelensky was received like a visiting hero by both houses of Congress, now the White House is failing to get critical funding through Capitol Hill so Ukraine can keep fighting. President Joe Biden, blasting the Republicans behind this, called this “the greatest gift” that Vladimir Putin could hope for. He is right.
Ukraine is in danger. The US, to quote Biden, has “run out of money” to help Ukraine and needs Congress to agree to a new funding package to keep crucial arms supply and economic support flowing to Kyiv. The chances of Ukraine getting the $60 billion the White House is asking for before the end of the year is slim.
