Ukraine's Security at Risk: Washington Dysfunction and Dangerous Funding Messages

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Washington to seek U.S. aid has been unsuccessful due to a partisan dispute over immigration policy. Republicans insist that any further aid to Ukraine must be tied to significant policy changes regarding immigration, causing frustration among senators from both parties. The delay in negotiations could have dire consequences for Ukrainians on the battlefield, as they depend on resupply of vital equipment from the United States to survive. The administration's strategy of arguing the merits of aid to Ukraine has not worked, and now they are realizing the need to address the border issue to gain political cover for Republicans who support Ukraine aid but fear backlash from the GOP base. While substantive concessions on immigration have been put on the table, a deal is unlikely to be reached this year, and the ability to make a deal could be further constrained when Congress reconvenes next month. All parties must compromise to push through emergency funding for Ukraine and other priorities in the new year to prevent Russian President Vladimir Putin from gaining an advantage.