The Impact of US Aid Cuts on Ukraine's War with Russia

The future of Ukraine's resistance against Russia's invasion is uncertain as the US Congress has yet to approve a new defense spending package that includes $61 billion in additional military funding for Ukraine. Congressional Republicans have conditioned support for the funding on concessions from the Biden administration on immigration policy, leaving President Biden to shift his pledge of support to Ukraine. Even if the aid resumes, opponents of aid to Ukraine are growing bolder, and Ukraine's staunchest supporters are distracted by other crises. The impact of the lack of aid would change the character of the war, potentially leading to more urban combat and a higher civilian death toll. Europe's ability to step up and provide sufficient military equipment for Ukraine is limited, and if US support wavers, more countries may follow suit, leading to a more destabilized eastern flank of NATO. The costs of not aiding Ukraine could result in a bloodier conflict and increased security costs for the US and other countries.