(UnitedVoice.com) – The Russian war on Ukraine is quickly approaching its second anniversary. Talks between the two nations have completely stalled. Neither leader is willing to bend to bring the conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people to a close. Recently, NATO’s chief issued a warning about Ukraine’s successes on the battlefield.
Bad News on the Horizon
In a December 2 interview with German broadcaster ARD, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the international alliance supports “Ukraine in both good and bad times.” He explained, “Wars develop in phases.”
Stoltenberg pointed out that Ukraine has won “big victories,” but the military hasn’t been able to move the front line at all, even after the summer counteroffensive. Russia has experienced significant losses, including in its Black Sea fleet. The Ukrainian military has also managed to cause damage deep in Russia with missiles given to them by allied nations.
Though there have been victories, Stoltenberg warned, “We should also be prepared for bad news.” However, he didn’t elaborate on what he meant by the statement.
The NATO chief called on members to increase the production of ammunition to help the Ukrainian military. He also said there is an issue with the fragmented state of the European defense industry, saying they haven’t been able to “work as closely as [they] should.” He called on the countries to consider the bigger picture, not just their own interests.
Warning From the US
Stoltenberg’s remarks come as President Joe Biden’s administration is calling on Congress to pass a massive aid package to help Ukraine, Israel, and other security interests.
On December 4, the White House released a letter Shalanda Young, the director of the US Office of Management and Budget, sent to congressional leadership. She called on lawmakers to pass Biden’s aid package and warned the US is running out of money to send aid to Ukraine. In the letter, she said they have to make a decision about when America will continue its global “fight for freedom” or if they’re going to “ignore the lessons [they] have learned from history.”
Young said funding will run out by the end of the year unless Congress agrees to more. If the money stops, she warned that they would have to cut off the flow of equipment to the battlefield and “kneecap Ukraine.” That would put the gains the country has made at risk.
House Republicans have made it clear that they will not give Ukraine more money unless Democrats agree to border policy changes.
Copyright 2023, UnitedVoice.com
