Biden Administration demands additional $11.7 bn in financial aid for Ukrai

Washington/Kyiv/Moscow: A few months ago, the US Congress approved $40 billion in financial aid for Ukraine. Despite this, the Biden administration is now pushing for additional aid and has proposed $11.7 billion for providing arms and financial aid to Ukraine. As the US administration prepares to provide more aid to Ukraine, former officials have advised Ukraine to start preparing for negotiations. Former Brigadier General of the US Army, Mark Kimmitt, has pointed out that the capacity of the NATO countries to prolong the Ukraine conflict is coming to an end. It has been reported that the SPD party, which is part of the ruling government in Germany, has also called for peace talks.

Over six months have passed since the Russia-Ukraine conflict started near the end of February. During this period, Russia gained control of two provinces in southern Ukraine, including a large part of the Donbas region. Senior Russian leaders, including President Vladimir Putin, have indicated that the military campaign in Ukraine will continue for some time. On the other hand, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Ukraine will not stop unless it re-establishes control over all areas occupied by Russia.

For that, Zelensky has also insisted that the West should continue to provide more assistance to Ukraine. Although the United States and the United Kingdom have actively responded to Zelensky’s call, the pace of assistance from European countries has slowed. Against this background, the advice given by former US officials becomes noteworthy.

Moreover, Mark Kimmitt mentioned four options to end the conflict, which mainly include increasing the arms supply. However, while doing this, he pointed out that the spare weapons stockpiles of the United States and NATO member countries are rapidly depleting. Therefore, Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt said the last option would be to prepare for ceasefire negotiations. Mark Kimmitt advised that President Zelensky should be aware that while the situation may not be right to initiate negotiation dialogue, the lack of logistics support impacts the army’s morale. Not only the army but also the Ukrainian people should be made aware of this. While many may not like to initiate moves for a diplomatic solution, it would be better to start the discussion now rather than let the situation worsen. Efforts should be made to find a temporary solution without giving any concessions.

The SPD party, which is a part of the ruling government in Germany, has also pointed to the need for the Russia-Ukraine peace talks. French President Emmanuel Macron has also stated that the way for Russia-Ukraine talks should be open. Meanwhile, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has accused the United States and the West of trying to disintegrate Russia once again, like in 1991. Medvedev issued a stern warning that this time, any such move will be an invitation to Doomsday.