US Senate Democratic and Republican leaders said Washington will not be able to approve new aid to Ukraine before the end of the year as both sides continue to seek a compromise.
“As negotiators resolve the remaining issues, we hope their efforts will enable the Senate to act quickly as we begin the new year,” Democrat Chuck Schumer and Republican Mitch McConnell said in a joint statement. “For the remainder of this year, Senate and government negotiators will continue to work in good faith to finalize their agreement.”
“Challenging issues remain,” Schumer and McConnell said, “but we are committed to meeting the needs at the southern border and helping allies and partners address serious threats in Israel, Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific. The Senate will not let these challenges pass. “National security questions remain unanswered.”
The announcement on Capitol Hill marks another setback for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose government has warned of an “urgent need” for weapons ahead of winter.
Zelensky flew to Washington in mid-December – his third trip to the US capital in a year – to press for help. Ukraine's president remains confident: He said at a press conference on Tuesday that the United States would “not betray” his beleaguered country. The Kiev army has failed to launch a major counteroffensive in recent months and Russian pressure on the front remains strong.
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