US lawmakers demand intelligence assessment of risks if aid for Ukraine stops
US intelligence instructed to assess the consequences of a possible halt in aid to Ukraine (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
US lawmakers are calling for the heads of the country's key intelligence agencies to assess the security risks to the US if Washington halts its assistance to Kyiv and Russia wins the war against Ukraine. The report may include a classified annex, reports The Hill.
US lawmakers want the provision to be added to the National Defense Authorization Act for a vote in the House.
The lawmakers have tasked the Director of National Intelligence, the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency to present a report evaluating the course of Russia's war against Ukraine in the context of potential consequences for the US in various scenarios.
The document has been titled "Assessment of likely course of war in Ukraine."
According to the US newspaper, the report's details are expected to include an assessment of the impact on Ukraine's military ability to defend against Russian aggression, depending on whether the US continues or halts its defense and economic support, and whether the US maintains or withdraws its authorization for the use of provided long-range missiles for strikes deep within Russian territory.
US lawmakers also want intelligence leaders to evaluate the impact of a potential Ukrainian defeat in the war on US national security interests, including the potential for further aggression by Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.
"The report is required to be submitted in unclassified form but can have a classified annex, and delivered to the House and Senate intelligence committees as well as the Armed Services, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Relations and Appropriations panels," The Hill states.
Lawmakers are urging the report to be submitted within 90 days after the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is signed.
Earlier, the elected US President Donald Trump stated that Ukraine probably should prepare for a reduction in military aid from the US once he assumes office.
Additionally, in early December, Minister of Finance of Ukraine Serhii Marchenko discussed how long Ukraine could withstand the war with Russia without US aid. The official noted that Ukraine is equipped to sustain the war at least through the first half of 2025, by which time it is essential to negotiate continued support from the US.
