EU warn U.S. on Ukraine aid, caution about potential impact on Taiwan conflict
Photo: EU lawmakers urge the U.S. to approve aid for Ukraine (Getty Images)
European lawmakers visiting Washington this week issued ominous warnings to both Democrats and Republicans that the U.S. must help Ukraine achieve victory over Russia this year, writes The Hill.
Otherwise, the U.S. risks losing European support in a potential conflict with China over Taiwan.
The appeal came from a delegation of heads of foreign affairs committees from six European countries and Canada, who met with U.S. lawmakers during breaks in tense negotiations over a border security policy that is holding up a large funding package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
"The reality is the U.S. also needs a wake-up call," said UK Parliament member Alicia Kearns, who chairs the Special Committee on Foreign Affairs.
What lawmakers further stated
Kearns added that Democrats need to stop "bunkering down," and Republicans cannot be allowed to define the U.S. foreign policy agenda.
The Europeans also asserted that there is no substitute for American military support for Ukraine or its leadership on the world stage.
"It’s painful that you have to spend 80 percent of your energy waking up Washington, to be Washington," said Lithuania's parliamentary committee head on foreign affairs, Žygimantas Pavilionis.
Europe may not assist the U.S. on the Taiwan issue
The British lawmaker also mentioned that if Taiwan is captured, the U.S. should address the issue together with Japan, South Korea, and Australia.
According to her, Britain and Europe will be forced to address the issue of war in Ukraine and tell the U.S. that they cannot support them on the Taiwan issue.
U.S. aid to Ukraine
Several months ago, President Joe Biden urged Congress to allocate over $100 billion for national security needs. About $60 billion of these funds were intended for financing aid to Ukraine.
However, Congress did not support Biden's request. Republicans, in particular, opposed aid to Ukraine, demanding that the White House include tougher border security measures against migrants in its proposal.
Negotiations between Republicans and Democrats on border issues have been ongoing for over a month. Recently, it was reported that Biden agreed to strengthen immigration policies as demanded by Republicans.
