US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Pentagon Secretary Lloyd Austin and US Agency for International Development Administrator Samantha Power called on the US Congress to approve the provision of $11.8 billion to Ukraine.
The corresponding letter was published on the website of the US Department of the Treasury.
It was also signed by some members of the House and Senate.
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The letter says that US officials on November 7 “sent a letter to Congress urging it to approve the Biden administration’s request to provide $11.8 billion in direct budget support to Ukraine as part of the additional presidential package.”
It is noted that the package initiated by Joe Biden provides for military, economic and humanitarian assistance “aimed at preserving US national security interests during global challenges.”
“Direct budgetary support for Ukraine is inextricably linked with its success on the battlefield in resisting the illegal invasion of the Russian Federation,” the appeal notes.
Details of the letter to Congress
Senior U.S. officials reminded Congress that the funds help Ukraine keep its government and economy running and focus resources on defense.
The authors of the letter draw attention to the fact that the full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation “is not only an existential threat to Ukraine,” but also a threat to world democracies, economic and national security of the United States.
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The letter indicates that the amount of $11.8 billion is less than the amount allocated in 2023 ($14.4 billion).
“The Administration’s request for $11.8 billion in direct budget support is the minimum amount needed to cover Ukraine’s basic needs, taking into account other possible international assistance,” the letter says.
It is noted that US support is necessary to maintain Kiev’s access to IMF funding in the amount of $15.6 billion, which can be extended “only if donors jointly meet Ukraine’s remaining budgetary needs.”
The letter says that funding from other countries, such as Canada and the European Union, is not enough to cover Ukraine's needs. After all, our state’s military expenses exceed 100% of its tax revenues, which “makes it completely dependent on external support.”
American officials also drew attention to accountability and control over how funds provided to Ukraine are spent . At the same time, Kyiv must introduce reforms, in particular fight corruption.
“This funding is supported by an unprecedented level of robust oversight and transparency, as well as significant budgetary support from the European Union, other G7 partners and the International Monetary Fund,” the statement notes.
The authors of the letter added that without timely assistance, Ukraine “will not be able to defend itself and prevent further encroachment of the Russian Federation on NATO countries.”
