President Joe Biden, during a call with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, blamed the American Congress for the Russian army’s advance on the city of Avdiivka. Remembering that congressmen blocked an aid package for the country at war amid internal disputes.
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“This morning, Ukraine’s military was forced to withdraw from Avdiivka after soldiers had to ration ammunition due to dwindling supplies as a result of Congressional inaction, resulting in Russia’s first notable gains in months”.
“President Biden has emphasized the need for Congress to urgently approve the supplemental national security funding bill to resupply Ukrainian forces,” the White House said on Saturday (17).
With this, the call between the leaders takes place in a week defined by the US’s attempts to reaffirm its leadership on the world stage.
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Biden also highlighted the urgency of sending additional funds to Ukraine amid the withdrawal from Avdiivka, a key town that in recent months has become the battlefield center of the eastern European war. The American leader also commented on the news of the death of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.
It is worth remembering that early last week, the Senate approved with bipartisan support a $95.3 billion foreign aid bill, which includes $60 billion to support Ukraine. However, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said he does not plan to move forward with the bill.
Additionally, U.S. officials have recently expressed concern about Russian gains in the war, suggesting it is a reflection of a slowdown in aid.