Challenger Trump cannot guarantee any success in the election campaign for US President Biden. This endangers not only Ukraine, but all of NATO. There remains a vague exit.
United States President Joe Biden has been trying for months to get Congress to approve an aid package for Ukraine. Photo: Samuel Corum/epa
After months of negotiations, the US Congress finally appeared to have found a solution to the stalled support for Ukraine. But within a few hours the tide had changed. On Wednesday, the US Senate finally voted against the spending package negotiated by Democrats and Republicans, which included more than $60 billion to support Ukraine. The package was considered the best option so far to continue supporting the Eastern European country in its defensive war against Russia.
Ultimately, it was the realities of American politics that torpedoed and ultimately sank the package. Despite the danger posed by a possible cutoff in aid to Ukraine, Congress is paralyzed on the Ukraine issue. The outcome could not only have catastrophic consequences for Ukraine itself, warned Democratic US Senator Michael Bennet.
Because: a Russian victory represents a direct threat to Europe, NATO and, therefore, also to the United States itself, stated National Security Council spokesman John Kirby at the end of last year. But almost two months later, the situation remains unchanged. “If the West allows Russian President Vladimir Putin to do whatever he wants with Ukraine, where will it end? There could be a threat to NATO allies. “It could even trigger Article 5, and that would mean that American troops and troops from NATO allies would also be actively involved in the war,” Kirby said.
For now, only the people of Ukraine are paying with their blood for the West's mistakes dating back to 2014. But the idea that American sons and daughters could end up going to war is not enough to convince members of Congress to to support continued support for kyiv.
short-sighted stubbornness
Biden has been trying for months to get Congress to approve an aid package for Ukraine. Senators from both parties were at least willing to reach an agreement. But in the end it is always the hardline Republicans who destroy everything. And now what makes matters worse is that the United States is in an election year. In a politically explosive time, some politicians consider the risk of working with colleagues from the other political side too great. This sounds paradoxical in view of the potential alternative: a territorial expansion of the war.
The Republican Party has another problem: Donald Trump. The former president and current favorite to be re-elected by his party clearly sets the tone. He wants to return to the White House, whatever the cost. Therefore, the political success that this package would have meant for Joe Biden is out of the question. “It's time for Republicans in Congress to show some courage and courage… and make it clear to the American people that they are working for them,” Biden pleaded, in vain.
Legislative victories could be a way out
In early February, the EU approved a new aid package worth €50 billion to support Ukraine. This means that you have taken on the leadership role, at least in the short term. Chancellor Olaf Scholz traveled to Washington to talk with members of Congress and President Biden. His call: America is still needed.
But why should Scholz accomplish something that even Zelenskyj couldn't accomplish during his last visit to Washington? Due to the current distribution of seats in the Senate and House of Representatives, Republican support is needed to pass bills. And to get the support of right-wing Republicans, either a great willingness to compromise or Trump is needed.
Biden's political success, which this package would have meant, is out of the question for Trump in the election year.
Since support for Trump is almost impossible, the only thing left is the will to reach an agreement. Biden and Democrats have no choice but to allow Republicans to win legislative victories. It's not a perfect solution, but it's what the reality of American politics currently allows.
However, it's unclear exactly what hardline Republicans want: At first they wanted to strengthen border security and immigration policy, but after Democrats finally relented, it wasn't enough for them. A reduction in public spending in the next fiscal year could perhaps be a starting point.