Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that discussions are underway between the U.S. and Ukraine to establish a long-term bilateral security agreement. This potential deal would bind Washington to provide a decade of military, economic and political support to Ukraine, involving taxpayer funds. Zelenskyy said on Sunday that the new agreement would counteract Russian aggression — regardless of how long or widespread the war becomes — and bolster Ukraine’s “standing on the global stage.”
The new and even more expansive foreign aid program under discussion includes “joint production” of weapons systems and will commit future administrations and Congress for at least ten more years of substantial taxpayer assistance for the regime.
Congress’s recent approval of a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine after lengthy partisan debates underscores the urgency felt by some U.S. leaders about supporting Ukraine. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude, particularly to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), for pushing the package through.
Zelensky, U.S. Working On a Deal That Would Fund Ukraine With Taxpayer Dollars for the Next Ten Years
https://t.co/L7c2OF4KUz— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) April 29, 2024
Critics, including House Republicans like Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), has voiced strong opposition to allocating extensive funds to Ukraine, especially considering the ongoing issues at the U.S. southern border. “Today, I voted no. These bills were brought forward under a contrived process to achieve a pre-determined outcome — a $100 billion, unpaid-for foreign aid package while failing to secure the border,” Roy posted on the X platform, formerly Twitter.
Re: Foreign Aid:
“Today, I voted no… These bills were brought forward under a contrived process to achieve a pre-determined outcome — a $100 billion, unpaid-for foreign aid package while failing to secure the border.For months, House Republicans — specifically, Speaker Mike…
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) April 20, 2024
The proposal also sets the stage for future political implications, potentially constraining the options of a future administration. With the potential of a second Trump administration on the horizon, the agreement could complicate future U.S. foreign policy, locking the country into a decade-long commitment that might clash with other national priorities or strategies.
The aid package was quarterbacked through by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), but passed with a minority of House Republicans in support. Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) said, “States and cities across our nation are struggling with the consequences of Biden’s border crisis, inflation continues to squeeze the budgets of every American household and our country is over $34 trillion in debt.”
