As of: February 9, 2024, 7:21 p.m
By: Jens Kiffmeier
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Weapons aid is stalling: a billion-dollar package for Ukraine has been blocked in the US Senate - with the votes of the Republicans.
There is criticism in the EU.
Update from February 8th, 11:16 a.m.:
Clear criticism from Poland:
Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized the Republicans after the bill for further aid to Ukraine failed in the US Senate.
“Dear Republican Senators of America.
Ronald Reagan, who helped millions of us regain our freedom and independence, must be turning in his grave today.
Shame on you,” Tusk wrote on the social network X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, referring to the 40th US President of the Republican Party, who died in 2004.
In a vote in the House chamber on Wednesday, Republicans blocked a bill presented by US President Joe Biden's Democrats that provided for a billion-dollar aid package for Ukraine, which was attacked by Russia.
Politicians in Germany also found clear words.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (l.), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (r.) at the US Capitol in Washington, DC (archive photo) © Julia Nikhinson/Imago
US Senate rejects deal on migration and Ukraine aid – criticism in the EU
Update from February 8th, 3:05 a.m.:
Politicians from the SPD and CDU have seen the failure of new Ukraine aid in the US Senate as a warning signal.
“The blockage of Ukraine aid in Congress is just a first foretaste of what could happen if Donald Trump is re-elected to the White House in November.”
The chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Bundestag, Michael Roth (SPD), said this to the news portal “t-online” on Wednesday.
“Europe’s security would then no longer be guaranteed from one day to the next,” Roth continued.
“The future of free and independent Ukraine would be in grave danger.”
Play the Trump game: Republican minority leader Mitch McConnell opposed aid to Ukraine in the Senate.
© Jose Luis Magana/dpa
At the same time, the SPD politician criticized the fact that the EU had relied for too long on the USA continuing to provide Ukraine with comprehensive military support.
“We Europeans must finally take on more responsibility to contain and stop Russian imperialism,” said Roth.
“This is the right path – regardless of whether the next president is called Trump or Biden.”
“We must finally wake up and prepare for a possible Donald Trump presidency by investing massively in our own security,” said CDU foreign policy expert Norbert Röttgen to “t-online”.
With regard to the blockade policy of the Republicans in the US Congress, he added: “This policy is devastating for the foreign policy weight of the USA.” It weakens the allies' trust in the USA and encourages states such as China and Iran to challenge the USA militarily.
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US Senate rejects 60 billion package
Washington - Hard setback for Ukraine in the fight against Russia's war of aggression: The US Senate has rejected a support package worth 60 billion.
The AFP
news agency reported this
on Wednesday evening (February 7th).
The plan's passage failed due to a lack of approval from the Republicans.
In addition to aid to Ukraine, the package also included money to secure the US border with Mexico and promised benefits for Israel.
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced a quick second vote that would only focus on foreign aid.
Shock for Ukraine: US Senate blocks aid package – because of Republicans
The Republicans' blockade of the latest draft of the legislative package had already become apparent.
The project will be “dead on arrival” if it reaches the House of Representatives, said House Republican leader Mike Johnson.
The former Republican US President Donald Trump, who will most likely run against incumbent Joe Biden in the US election next November, had also spoken out clearly against it in advance.
Success for Trump: Republicans follow his call
“Don’t be stupid,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform last weekend.
Although his party advocates stronger border security with Mexico, the ex-president rejects new aid for Ukraine and Israel.
“We need a separate border and immigration law,” which should not be “in any way tied to foreign aid,” he wrote in his post.
The 77-year-old further describes the law as “a great gift for the Democrats and a death wish for the Republican Party.”
The so-called National Security Supplementary Act includes, among other things, $60 billion to support Ukraine.
Also planned are $14.1 billion in support for Israel and $20.2 billion for border security.
The compromise negotiated by Democrats and Republicans also includes numerous changes to immigration policy.
Support in the Ukraine war: Scholz consults with Biden
This offers Ukraine a foretaste of a possible turning point.
Given Trump's high poll numbers, a return to the White House in the upcoming presidential election is no longer considered completely unlikely.
Many countries in Europe are now trembling about a reduction in US aid.
Ukraine is already lacking sufficient supplies of weapons and ammunition in the fight against Russia.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) wants to travel to the USA on Thursday.
When incumbent President Biden visits, support for Ukraine will also be on the agenda.
(
jkf
/ with material from
AFP
)