Delays in US Aid to Ukraine Cause Low Morale Among Ukrainians, Financial Times Reports

Delays in US military aid to Ukraine are causing low morale among Ukrainian forces as they struggle to hold the line against Russian advances, according to a report by the Financial Times. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and General Charles Brown, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, have stressed the urgent need for Congress to approve aid to Ukraine as soon as possible, stating that the delay in weapons, supplies, and other military support is already shifting the situation in Russia's favor.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the months-long delay in aid has cost Ukraine lives and territory. The lack of fresh funding has become increasingly critical, with Ukrainian leaders urging support on an almost daily basis. CIA Director Bill Burns warned that without more military assistance from the US, Ukraine could lose the war against Russia by the end of 2024. "Without supplemental assistance, the picture is a lot more dire," Burns said. "There is a very real risk that the Ukrainians could lose on the battlefield by the end of 2024."

Why this matters: The delay in US aid to Ukraine has had devastating effects on Ukraine's defense efforts against Russia's invasion. If Ukraine loses the war, it could have far-reaching consequences for global security and potentially lead to a wider conflict.

The US House of Representatives is expected to vote on a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine over the weekend, which has been stalled since last year due to political infighting in the Republican Party. The Ukraine aid bill would provide nearly $61 billion in assistance, including urgent supplies of artillery rounds and air defense missiles. However, it remains unclear if the measures will pass the House or the Democratic-controlled Senate.

As the aid debate has continued, both Russia and Ukraine have ramped up aerial attacks in recent weeks, hitting military and energy facilities deep behind the front lines. The shortage of ammunition and military equipment has had an increasingly dire effect on Ukrainian forces on the battlefield. "The biggest priorities for Ukrainian forces are ammunition and air defense," said Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. "If Ukraine loses the conflict with Russia, it could lead to a Third World War, as the global security system would be destroyed."

Key Takeaways

• Delays in US military aid to Ukraine are hurting Ukrainian forces' morale and defense.
• US officials urge Congress to approve $61B aid package to provide Ukraine with critical supplies.
• CIA warns Ukraine could lose the war against Russia by end of 2024 without more US aid.
• Shortage of ammunition and equipment has dire effects on Ukrainian forces on the battlefield.
• Ukraine losing the war could lead to a Third World War, destroying the global security system.