According to an unnamed source who spoke with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, there is growing concern that the support from US President Joe Biden towards Kiev is starting to weaken, as reported by Bloomberg. Zelensky fears that other Western leaders, who rely on Washington’s position when deciding to aid Ukraine, are also providing less support. This is why he strongly criticized the hesitancy of allies during the United Nations General Assembly.
During the discussion, Zelensky became emotional and sharply criticized countries that were not delivering weapons quickly enough, as stated in the Bloomberg article. The agency reported that the dispute between Zelensky and one of the largest allies has escalated out of control.
Sources from the agency claim that Western countries are privately trying to draw Zelensky’s attention to the type of Ukraine that will emerge from the conflict. According to Bloomberg, some of them are expecting specific reforms in the country in exchange for future financial assistance to Kiev. They are particularly interested in concrete steps to combat corruption in Ukraine.
The article highlights that international support for Ukraine is shifting from a crisis-oriented approach to a more long-term perspective, as leaders around the world begin to consider the consequences of a protracted conflict. CNN notes that Zelensky’s reception in the US this time was colder than his previous visit nine months ago when he received applause from both Democrats and Republicans.
Furthermore, Zelensky has suddenly realized, as reported by CNN, that the possible return of Donald Trump to power after the 2024 elections and his influence in the House of Representatives could hinder the multi-billion-dollar support that Ukraine relies on for its survival.
Despite these concerns, following Zelensky’s visit to the US, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that Ukraine will receive $128 million worth of weapons and equipment from the Pentagon’s stockpiles. An additional $197 million worth of supplies will be provided by the Defense Department from previously allocated packages.
“We stand united with Ukraine as it secures its future – a future in which its people will live safely in a secure and prosperous democracy fully integrated with Europe,” Blinken stated.
The assistance package includes Avenger air defense systems, AIM-9M missiles for air defense, Javelin anti-tank complexes, and another Hawk air defense battery. Ukraine will also receive various types of ammunition. However, the request for ATACMS missiles with a range of 300 km for HIMARS, which Ukraine has repeatedly asked for, was not included. Zelensky noted that the new aid package contains exactly what Ukrainian military needs right now.
During a joint press conference with Zelensky, President Biden stated that Abrams tanks would arrive in Ukraine next week (although the delivery of this equipment had been announced earlier). When asked about the prospects of providing Ukraine with a new aid package from the US, Biden replied, “I rely on the sound judgment of the United States Congress. There is no alternative.”
Zelensky also revealed the immediate goals of the Ukrainian counteroffensive during the meeting with the American press. “We will liberate Bahmut. I believe we will liberate two more cities. I won’t tell you which ones, sorry. We have a very detailed plan,” he said, as quoted by CNN.
Meanwhile, the Russian embassy in the US called on Washington to realize that the continuous transfer of military aid to Ukraine is futile. They stated that Western efforts cannot change the situation on the ground but will only lead to further conflict, casualties, and destruction.
According to the embassy, the US is willing to supply Ukraine with any dangerous military equipment to support the failing counteroffensive.
