Russia Expects US to Continue Ukraine Support Despite Lack of Aid in Funding Bill

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said 'inter-party squabbles' will not impact US support

Russian officials on Monday downplayed the impact of Congress passing a short-term funding bill over the weekend that did not include funds to spend on supporting Ukraine, saying the US will “find the money.”

“They will continue their support. We should not think that something is about to change. It’s just grandstand play. It’s codswallop,” said Russian Deputy Foreign Ministry Sergey Ryabkov, according to TASS.

Ryabkov added that the US’s focus on supporting its “stooges” in Ukraine would not change. “Inter-party squabbles have nothing to do with support, they will find the money,” he said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made similar comments. “America will continue its involvement in this conflict,” he said, but adding that he believes “exhaustion” related to the conflict will continue to grow in the West.

Officials in Kyiv also downplayed the events in Congress. “We have a very in-depth discussion with both parts of the Congress, Republicans and Democrats, and against the background of a potential shutdown in the United States the decision was taken as it was,” said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

Kuleba added that he does not “feel that the US support has been shattered” and that Ukraine is working with Congress “to make sure it does not repeat again, under any circumstances.”

The bill passed by Congress funds the US government until November 17. The White House and the Pentagon are putting pressure on House and Senate leaders to authorize an additional $24 billion for the proxy war, which is expected to pass once brought to a vote.

Author: Dave DeCamp

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