The Biden administration is considering options to support Ukraine as House Republicans continue to block a $95 billion Senate-approved foreign aid package that includes $61 billion to support Kyiv in its fight against Russia.
President Joe Biden plans to use Thursday’s State of the Union address to stress the importance of continued support for Ukraine and emphasize his administration’s efforts to “restore American leadership,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told VOA on Wednesday. success achieved.
The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Voice of America: How will the president use this opportunity to convince lawmakers and House Speaker Mike Johnson that Ukraine desperately needs military support?
White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby: I don’t want to get ahead of the president’s speech. Of course, he’s very much looking forward to the opportunity to talk to the American people, to Congress, and actually, frankly, to the world about all the incredible things that he’s accomplished in his three and a half years as president. USA. From the economy to education, to medical care, to employment, and on the world stage, we must truly restore the United States’ leadership position on the world stage.
That’s what American leadership buys you. It buys you convening power. It brings you tremendous capabilities. This will certainly lead to your efforts to influence the decisions and actions of other world leaders, especially adversaries, in ways that are more consistent with our national security interests. Support for Ukraine is undoubtedly top priority. This is to help Ukrainian soldiers succeed in their fight against Russian aggression, but it is also good for our national security as the landscape of the continent changes.if we walk away and let [Russian President Vladimir] Putin has Ukraine, which he still wants, and then he faces the door of NATO.
Voice of America: Ukraine is rationing arms and losing territory, in part due to a lack of U.S. support. Do you still think there is a path forward for the supplemental program, or should Ukrainians prepare for the reality of no U.S. aid?
Kirby: We will continue to work with Congress to see if we can get this supplemental bill passed. That’s how important it is. We’re also working with allies and partners to explore how they might contribute, and it’s not that they haven’t contributed yet – they already have.but [we’re] See what else can be done. Of course, we’re looking at our own systems, within our own government and across government to see if there’s anything else we can do to support Ukraine. But we got nothing. None of these efforts can replace the volume and scale that supplements provide us.
Voice of America: But maybe there’s a plan B?
Kirby: We never fail to consider other opportunities that are in front of us. But whatever they are, they won’t be as good as supplements. There is no alternative supplement. As I have said many times, there is not some magic source that can do what supplementary materials can do. But are we considering options? We absolutely are. We must do this taking into account the circumstances on the ground – especially in the east.
Voice of America: But do you still believe the supplement is likely to pass?
Kirby: It’s hard to say for sure. That really depends on Speaker Johnson. We know—and Speaker Johnson knows—that if you bring this issue to the floor, it will pass. There is strong support for this from both parties. Both sides of the House aisle. no doubt. The real question is: Will he put it on the floor? And only he can answer this question.
Voice of America: Six countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Germany, Denmark and France, recently signed bilateral security agreements with Kyiv to provide security guarantees to Ukraine before it joins NATO. Should we expect the United States and Ukraine to reach such an agreement anytime soon?
Kirby: We’ve been working with the Ukrainians for a long time, obviously making sure they have what they need in this war and talking to them about what they’re going to need when the war ends, because no matter when and how the war ends, they Still they will have a long border with Russia and they will need to protect that border.So, yes, the United States is discussing with our Ukrainian counterparts what more we can do over the long term to help ensure that they can defend their national security interests and [those of] Ukrainian people. I have nothing to announce or say right now, but these are the conversations we are having with the Ukrainians.
Voice of America: More from the State of the Union: How will the president respond to the worsening situation in Gaza and U.S. strategic competition with China?
Kirby: Again, I’m not going to get ahead of the president’s speech, but I will point you to what he said earlier.About Israel: How important it is to ensure that Israel can defend itself against the still-present threat from Hamas and that more humanitarian aid comes in [to Gaza, and] Make sure we rescue the hostages, work to reach a new hostage deal so that we can achieve a temporary six-week ceasefire to reduce suffering on the ground, and renew our efforts to find ways to help alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Regarding China, as you know, the President just concluded his meeting with President Xi [Jinping] In San Francisco. Good, constructive dialogue. We won’t agree with China on everything, but the President firmly believes that this is the most important bilateral relationship in the world, and we both have a responsibility as two great powers — and as two major leaders — to do so. Approach the relationship responsibly.
Voice of America: The president warned that the situation would become “dangerous” if there was no ceasefire during Ramadan. What does he mean? Did he warn of more bloodshed and potential regional spillovers?
Kirby: He was referring to the fact that Ramadan, apparently the holiest time of year for Muslims, is also a sensitive time, especially in the Middle East, where actions take on greater significance and can have huge consequences. Therefore, we all hope that a temporary ceasefire will be achieved as soon as possible. Obviously we’d rather it were already in place. That’s not the case and we’re still working on it. But we recognize that as Ramadan approaches, any action taken will be within the context of this holiest moment for Muslims around the world.
Voice of America: Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska and the widow of late Russian opposition leader Yulia Navalnaya both declined invitations to attend Biden’s State of the Union address. What message does the government want to send by inviting the two of them?
Kirby: We certainly respect their wish not to participate, but obviously Ukraine is an important partner here. They have been fighting bravely for more than two years. Certainly, this is an opportunity to recognize America’s commitment to Ukraine and to the fight, courage, and resilience of the Ukrainian people.
Once again we mourn the death of Alexei Navalny, we all recognize his courage, his heroism and we will of course continue to hold the Kremlin accountable for what happened to him.The President had the opportunity to meet with his wife and sister to express his personal condolences and those of all the American people
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