European Allies Worry US Might Reduce Support for Ukraine

Ukraine's FM is 'concerned' with recent comments from the Republican leader in the House about Ukraine aid

The Washington Post reported Wednesday that the US’s European allies are concerned that the US may dial back its support for Ukraine if Republicans are victorious in the upcoming midterm elections.

So far, spending billions on the war in Ukraine has had strong bipartisan support in Washington. The concern in Europe stems from recent comments made by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), who said a Republican-controlled House won’t be willing to write a “blank check” for Ukraine.

But it’s not clear if a Republican majority would make much of a difference as other GOP leaders downplayed McCarthy’s comments and promised more aid for Ukraine. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnel (R-KY) said a Republican-controlled Senate “will focus its oversight on ensuring timely delivery of needed weapons and greater allied assistance to Ukraine.”

But McCarthy’s comments have still caused concern in Europe as the US has been by far the largest provider of aid to Ukraine. A European official told the Post that while European countries are still supporting Ukraine despite soaring energy prices, less support from the US could change things.

“You could really imagine that if this were to falter within the United States, then the house of cards would start falling,” the official said.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told Axios on Wednesday that he was “concerned” with McCarthy’s comments, but that he thinks the aid will continue to flow. “We are concerned with these statements. We believe they are unfair. But I think we’ll fix it and I am certain that we will handle these risks effectively and that aid to Ukraine will not be cut,” he said.

According to a report from NBC News, the potential Republican skepticism has prompted lawmakers in both parties to seek a massive Ukraine aid bill before the new Congress is sworn in this January. The idea would be to pass enough funds for an entire year, and it is expected to be worth roughly $50 billion, which will bring total US spending on the war to over $115 billion. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said on Tuesday that more Ukraine aid is on the way and will be included in an omnibus spending bill this fall.

Author: Dave DeCamp

Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com, follow him on Twitter @decampdave.