Pentagon on when Ukraine will receive new batch of ATACMS missiles
US to transfer ATACMS missiles to Ukraine after Congress approves funding package (army.mil)
The United States stands ready to provide Ukraine with all necessary defensive weaponry, including ATACMS ballistic missiles. However, Congress stands in the way, refusing to approve the necessary funding package for Kyiv's defense needs, according to the Pentagon Deputy Spokesperson Sabrina Singh.
According to the spokesperson, Ukraine's main priority remains air defense and artillery ammunition, which was discussed during the latest meeting of the Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format.
Singh emphasized that the US is not taking anything off the table, including the transfer of ATACMS ballistic missiles to Ukraine. Instead, she said that Washington can only do so after Congress passes legislation on military aid to Ukraine.
"we are going to be with you for as long as it takes ... We do need Congress to give us the funding in order to supply Ukraine with what it needs. We not only need the supplemental, we need a budget passed. And so, we're working with Congress and hopefully we'll be able to get something done," Singh said.
Issues with US financial aid to Ukraine
On February 13, the US Senate approved a bill for financial aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan totaling $95 billion. Specifically, the package includes over $61 billion for military aid to Ukraine.
For the document to take effect, it still needs approval from the U.S. House of Representatives and the signature of President Joe Biden.
However, on February 16, House Speaker Mike Johnson refused to put the bill to a vote. Congress members went on recess until February 28.
President Biden urged the House to urgently approve the bill, as Ukraine faces a shortage of ammunition for frontline combat.
Recently, Sabrina Singh said that if Congress does not approve the financial aid package of over $60 billion, Ukraine will have to choose which areas of the country the Armed Forces of Ukraine will fight for based on available resources.
