According to a report by POLITICO, the Biden administration is exploring unconventional methods to secure additional military aid for Ukraine in the face of increasing opposition at home. It has been suggested that the administration is considering using the State Department’s foreign military financing program, which provides grants or loans to partner countries for the purchase of weapons and defense equipment.
President Joe Biden hinted at this possibility during a speech on Wednesday, stating that there may be another means by which funding could be found for Ukraine. The report suggests that the administration is actively considering utilizing this program to provide military aid to Ukraine.
Another potential option being discussed involves a three-way swap between the United States, Poland, and Ukraine. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen has proposed a scenario in which Poland would receive America’s Iron Dome systems in exchange for sending some of its own air defenses to Ukraine. This would address Ukraine’s need for air defense systems, as Israel, a co-producer of the Iron Dome, has previously declined to directly supply Ukraine with the system.
However, the fact that the Biden administration is reportedly exploring these unconventional methods highlights the diminishing support for further military aid for Ukraine among American lawmakers. Representative Michael McCaul expressed concern about the lack of support, noting that it will be even more challenging with the absence of Speaker McCarthy. Supporters of aid for Ukraine in Congress are running out of time to secure additional funding.
In addition to these efforts, The Telegraph reported that the Biden administration is considering a potential “one-and-done” aid package for Ukraine, totaling as much as $100 billion. This package aims to avoid the need for multiple funding approvals from Congress until after the 2024 presidential election.
The issue of military aid for Ukraine has become increasingly contentious, with growing opposition among Republicans in the House. Last week, House lawmakers passed a stopgap spending bill to prevent a government shutdown, but it did not include new allocations for Ukraine. Congress has already approved four rounds of funding for Ukraine, totaling approximately $113 billion.
The Biden administration is now exploring alternative options to ensure Ukraine receives the necessary military aid. The use of the State Department’s financing program and the potential three-way swap with Poland are being considered as potential solutions. The reported discussions of a significant aid package suggest the administration’s determination to find creative ways to support Ukraine, despite the challenges faced in securing further funding.
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