U.S. Senate deal on Ukraine aid under threat, The Guardian

"We’re at a critical moment, and we’ve got to drive hard to get this done. And if we can’t get there, then we’ll go to plan B. For now, at least, there are still attempts being made to try and reach a conclusion that would satisfy a lot of Republicans," said Senator John Thune, the chamber’s No. 2 Republican, addressing journalists.

It is noted that the inability to reach an agreement will have global consequences. The Pentagon warns that Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines risk being left without ammunition.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that the "future of the war in Ukraine" and the "security of our Western democracy" depend on whether Congress reaches an agreement.

According to media reports, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell told Republicans in a private meeting that "the time and political will to pass a bipartisan border deal were running out, and that Republicans should not undermine Trump’s intention to focus his White House campaign on immigration."

At the same time, McConnell emphasized his support for a border and Ukraine aid deal during a Republican lunch on Thursday, January 25.

U.S. Ukraine aid issues

Over the past few months, a "political war" has erupted between Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate over a bill providing financial aid to Ukraine and other allies.

In October 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden submitted a bill to Congress proposing $106 billion in aid to Israel and Ukraine, as well as strengthening the defense-industrial complex. $61.3 billion was proposed for Ukraine and $14.3 billion for Israel of this amount.

However, on December 6, Republicans blocked the start of debates on the bill in the Senate.

On January 12, financial aid to Ukraine was suspended in the White House until Congress approved a new funding package.