The European Union (EU) will not be able to fully compensate Ukraine for the aid suspended by the United States, according to the EU’s Chief Diplomat, Josep Borrell.
Borrell made these remarks upon his arrival at the European Political Group Summit in Granada, emphasizing that Brussels is eagerly awaiting Washington to reconsider this decision and resume its support for the Ukrainian authorities.
He added, “Certainly, Europe cannot replace the United States in providing assistance. Of course, we can do more, but there is no substitute for the United States in providing aid to Ukraine.”
Borrell continued, saying, “All my hopes, as well as the hopes of Ukrainians, lie in the United States seeking ways to reconsider this decision and resume support for Ukraine.”
Earlier, the White House Strategic Communications Coordinator, John Kirby, confirmed that the Biden administration has sufficient funding to meet Ukraine’s needs for a slightly longer period, following Congress’s approval of a temporary plan to fund the US federal government for 45 days, which does not include aid for Ukraine.
The United States’ aid to Ukraine has been a significant aspect of their bilateral relationship, especially in recent years. This assistance has been provided for various purposes, primarily to support Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and its efforts to address internal challenges and external threats.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalated when pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine, primarily in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, declared independence, leading to violent clashes with Ukrainian government forces. The conflict is characterized by a complex web of political, ethnic, and historical factors, with Ukraine seeking to maintain its territorial integrity and sovereignty while facing military and political challenges from Russia. The war has resulted in a significant loss of life, displacement of civilians, and ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a peaceful resolution, although a lasting settlement has remained elusive.