The Pentagon has warned the US Congress that it is running low on funds for replacing weapons deployed to Ukraine, and has already been forced to slow down resupplying some troops, as stated in a letter issued to congressional leaders.
The letter, acquired by The Associated Press (AP), urges Congress to replenish funds for Ukraine. Over the weekend, Congress prevented a government shutdown by adopting a short-term funding deal, but the measure cancelled all assistance to Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
Pentagon Warns of Low Funds for Ukraine Aid
According to a US official, the Defence Department has $1.6 billion remaining to replace weapons sent to Ukraine as of Monday, no funding under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), and $5.4 billion in Presidential Drawdown Authority.
Pentagon Comptroller Michael McCord informed House and Senate leaders that only $1.6 billion was left from the $25.9 billion Congress appropriated to replenish US military stocks in Ukraine.
Reports suggest that millions of rounds of artillery, rockets, and missiles are among the weaponry essential to Ukraine’s counteroffensive aimed at regaining territory taken by Russia during the war, which started last February.
Furthermore, the US retains around $5.4 billion in stockpiled weapons and equipment. Various factors affect the rate at which security aid is delivered to Kyiv, and authorities estimate the $5.2 billion will only last a few months.
US cautions about running low on funds for replacing weapons sent to Ukraine, necessitating a slowdown in resupplying certain troops, per Pentagon letter sent to congressional leaders
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McCord stated that the US has entirely depleted its long-term aid to Kyiv through the USAI, which provides money to contract for future weapons.
In the letter, he said, “We have already been forced to slow down the replenishment of our own forces to hedge against an uncertain funding future.” “Failure to replenish our military services on a timely basis could harm our military’s readiness,” the Comptroller added.
McCord warned that if additional funding is not provided, the US will be forced to delay or reduce air defence weapons, ammunition, drones, and demolition and breaching equipment, which are “critical and urgent now as Russia prepares to conduct a winter offensive.”
Republicans Anti-Ukraine Stance
As per reports, many lawmakers agree that securing congressional approval for aid to Ukraine is becoming increasingly difficult as the conflict drags on and Republican hard-right opposition to the aid intensifies.
Republican Representative Matt Gaetz, who announced he will try to depose Kevin McCarthy as speaker this week, accused the latter on Monday of negotiating a “secret deal” with US President Joe Biden for Ukraine’s war funds, amid rumours that McCarthy assured to allow a House vote on aid for Kyiv after the spending bill passed.
Other Republicans, led by Sen. JD Vance and Texas Rep. Chip Roy, wrote to Shalanda Young, director of the Office of Management and Budget, claiming that the American people “deserve to know” how additional funds to Ukraine are spent.
McCord’s letter highlighted the impact on US congressional districts and how US funds increase jobs and production in Tucson, Arizona, where RTX Corp (RTX.N) has facilities, and Camden, Arkansas, where Lockheed Martin (LMT.N) manufactures GMLRS missiles and Patriot interceptors.
Biden Promises to Continue Aid
President Biden stated on Sunday that aid would keep flowing for now, and acknowledged that time is running out. “We cannot under any circumstances allow America’s support for Ukraine to be interrupted,” Biden said. “We have time, not much time, and there’s an overwhelming sense of urgency.”
Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the US has provided the Ukrainian government with $113 billion in security, economic, and humanitarian aid.
Biden requested an additional $24 billion for Kyiv from Congress in July, which Ukraine’s supporters anticipated would be included in the spending bill.