Ukraine is facing an existential threat: The House GOP
World Leaders’ Fate Hangs in the Balance
There are two world leaders whose futures are intertwined with the decisions of Congress and American voters: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his nemesis, Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Putin is banking on two potential outcomes that align with the ultra-MAGA faction of the Republican Party: a complete cutoff of U.S. aid to Ukraine and the return of Donald Trump to the White House.
“We need much more to win now. … We do need ammunition. We do need air defense,” Oksana Markarova, Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S., said on CBS’s Face the Nation. “Right now, all the eyes are on U.S. Congress.”
Zelensky is deeply concerned about both possibilities.
Trump has promised to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours if elected, but such a move would likely favor Russia’s interests. In an interview with NBC, Zelensky expressed his doubts about making peace with Putin, whom he referred to as a “f***ing terrorist.”
However, Zelensky’s immediate worry lies in the current standoff in Congress. A powerful group of House Republicans, known as “MAGA extremists,” are opposed to providing any further aid to Ukraine. Their influence could potentially kill any bill, but only if the new speaker of the House allows it.
A Battle for Aid
President Joe Biden has requested $105 billion in emergency funds, with a significant portion allocated to support Ukraine’s war efforts and provide humanitarian aid. These priorities have bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate, but there is a catch.
“You cannot use Democrats to roll a majority of the majority, certainly on something as consequential as Ukraine,” said Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL).
Under the informal Hastert Rule, no bill can reach the House floor unless it passes solely with Republican votes. This rule has created obstacles for the passage of the Ukraine aid bill, despite receiving overwhelming support in the House.
The new speaker, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA), who previously voted against Ukraine aid, now claims to support it. However, he is employing a different strategy to maintain unity within his slim majority. He is linking the aid to a House bill on border security, a top priority for the Republican majority.
Meanwhile, the Senate is working on its own Ukraine funding measure, which was initially touted as bipartisan. However, a proposal from Republican senators to link the aid to a border security plan has caused friction.
The Stakes Are High
The infighting and disagreements within Congress do not bode well for the passage of a substantial Ukrainian aid package. Despite the support of influential Republicans like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. Susan Collins, the future of the aid remains uncertain.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have emphasized the importance of unwavering support for Ukraine. They argue that any wavering in support would send a dangerous message to allies and adversaries alike.
Zelensky, in his plea to American leaders, stressed the crucial nature of their help and warned of the consequences of a lack of aid.
“If Russia kills all of us, they will attack NATO countries, and you will send your sons and daughters,” he said. “And it will be, I’m sorry, but the price will be higher. That is my signal. Believe in democracy, believe in Ukraine.”
The fate of these world leaders and the stability of the region hang in the balance as Congress and American voters navigate the complex web of politics and international relations.
What role does the new speaker of the House play in determining the fate of bills related to aid to Ukraine?
Rules of the House, the new speaker has the power to determine which bills get a floor vote. If the new speaker, most likely Nancy Pelosi, decides not to bring the bill to the floor, it could essentially kill any chance of providing aid to Ukraine.
The battle for aid to Ukraine is not just a political issue, but a matter of national security. Russia has been escalating its aggression towards Ukraine, with ongoing military aggression and cyber attacks. The Ukrainian military is in dire need of support and assistance to defend its sovereignty and protect its people.
Without the necessary aid, Ukraine would be left vulnerable to further Russian aggression. It would also send a message to other countries that the United States is not committed to supporting its allies in times of need. This could have serious implications for global security and stability.
The fate of world leaders like Zelensky and Putin hang in the balance of these decisions. If the United States fails to provide the necessary aid to Ukraine, it would embolden Putin and weaken Zelensky’s position. It could also damage the relationship between the United States and Ukraine, potentially pushing Ukraine further into Russia’s sphere of influence.
On the other hand, if the United States fulfills its commitment to support Ukraine, it would send a clear message to Putin that his aggression will not go unanswered. It would strengthen Zelensky’s position and provide hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
As the decisions of Congress and American voters loom, the world watches with bated breath. The outcome of this battle for aid to Ukraine will have far-reaching consequences, not just for the leaders involved, but for international relations and global security as a whole.
It is imperative that both Congress and American voters recognize the significance of this moment and make decisions that align with the values of democracy, human rights, and the protection of sovereign nations. The fate of world leaders hangs in the balance, and it is up to the United States to determine their direction.
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