North American issued a statement criticizing the Russian attacks and saying it could not disappoint Ukrainians
United States President Joe Biden said on Friday (December 29, 2023) that the country could actively participate in the war between Russia and Ukraine if Vladimir Putin continues to carry out largescale attacks against the neighboring country. Here is the full statement from the White House (PDF 47 KB).
“If dictators and autocrats are allowed to operate in Europe in defiance of the rules, the risk of direct attraction to the United States increases [no conflito]“Biden wrote. According to North American, the Russian offensive on Friday (December 29) was “the largest airstrike since the start of the war.”
Ukrainian authorities said at least 30 people were killed and at least 150 others injured after Russia fired around 158 missiles and drones at the capital Kiev, Odessa, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Lviv and Zaporizhzhia. “Russia attacked us with almost everything it has in its arsenal” he said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The offensive hit a maternity hospital, shopping centers and residential areas in Ukraine. “It is a stark reminder to the world that after almost two years of this devastating war, Putin's goal remains unchanged. He is trying to destroy Ukraine and subjugate its people. It must be stopped,” Biden said.
The American also signaled that the country will not be able to continue sending military equipment to Ukraine unless Congress takes “urgent action” in 2024. “Congress must take immediate action and act,” the president said. “We cannot disappoint Ukraine. History will judge harshly those who do not answer the call of freedom,” he said.
The US Congress has blocked approval of a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine. Before the funds are released, members of Congress want President Biden to approve an increase in funding to combat the entry of immigrants across the border with Mexico. Since the start of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the US government has sent more than $75 billion to Kyiv, including humanitarian, financial and military assistance.
According to spokesman Garron Garn, the Pentagon currently has $4.4 billion to deliver weapons from the US Department of Defense stockpiles directly to Kiev. However, the transfer of these weapons is limited by the need for financing to replenish national stocks, which are almost exhausted.
Biden's proposed emergency security budget being discussed on Capitol Hill is $111 billion. This supplement would include more than $60 billion in aid to Ukraine, more than $14 billion to Israel, in addition to funding for Taiwan.
CORRECTION
December 30, 2023 (10:43 p.m.) Contrary to what was reported in the post above, the US government has already sent more than $75 billion to Kyiv, and NO $75 million. The text has been corrected and updated.