Biden urges Republicans to pass urgent Ukraine aid after Navalny's death

US President Joe Biden made a direct appeal to Republican lawmakers Friday, emphasising the urgency of passing a crucial funding package for Ukraine, while cautioning that “history is watching.” Speaking from the White House, Biden’s call to action came in the wake of the death of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, whom he hailed as a courageous voice against Vladimir Putin’s regime. Expressing frustration with the House of Representatives’ two-week recess amid the stalled military aid package, including $61 billion for Ukraine, Biden criticized the delay, urging lawmakers to prioritize national security over vacation time. He underscored the importance of the United States being a dependable ally in the face of escalating global threats. Amid reports of Russia’s potential development of a space-based nuclear weapon, Biden stressed the imperative of providing aid to Ukraine without further delay. Former Vice President Mike Pence echoed Biden’s sentiments, urging Republicans to prioritize bipartisan support for Kyiv, emphasizing America’s leadership role in the free world. While a $95 billion foreign security bill garnered bipartisan backing in the Senate, Republican Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, has yet to commit to bringing it to a vote, citing concerns over Russian aggression and the need for additional sanctions. However, Biden’s administration and frustrated House members are pushing for swift action to support US allies, including Ukraine, amidst ongoing debates over federal spending. As Ukraine grapples with ammunition shortages and increasing reliance on American military assistance, European allies’ failure to meet arms production targets underscores the critical need for US support. Amid calls for a robust response to Navalny’s death, former UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace urged Western governments to bolster support for Ukraine through aid, missile donations, and punitive measures against Moscow. The fate of the Ukraine aid package remains uncertain, with tensions mounting and global repercussions at stake. As the international community watches closely, the urgency to act grows, underscoring the pivotal role of US leadership in addressing emerging threats and supporting allies in the face of adversity.