Pentagon chief vows to support Ukraine even as future funding remains in doubt

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has declared that despite President Joe Biden’s administration running out of money for Kyiv and a request for more funding stalling in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, the United States would not back down from supporting Ukraine in the short and long term. “We will continue to dig deep to provide Ukraine with both short-term and long-term support,” Austin said on Wednesday, without mentioning the $95.34 billion military aid package for Ukraine and other allies that has not been taken up yet by the House Speaker Mike Johnson. Austin was speaking remotely from his home after having to postpone his journey to Brussels for the NATO summit due to a bladder problem that required hospitalization. Austin’s remarks raise concerns about the United States’ commitment to Europe at a crucial juncture for Ukraine. The money, according to Ukraine’s leadership, is essential as the country fights an invasion that was started almost two years ago by Russian President Vladimir Putin. While Austin did not address the House of Representatives or the lack of funds, others have. On Wednesday, U.S. legislators were urged by British Foreign Secretary David Cameron to support the security aid package. For months, Biden has been advocating for the package, which also includes humanitarian help for the Palestinians and security funding for Taiwan and Israel. Hardliners in the Republican Party have opposed him, especially those closest to the late President Donald Trump. Supporters of the help have been closely observing Trump’s response. On social media, he has attacked the help, stating that it ought to be in the form of a loan. He has also alarmed American friends by implying that he would incite war against certain NATO countries. Trump’s recent remarks that the US might not defend NATO countries who aren’t investing enough on defense against a future Russian invasion have drew criticism from Biden and other senior Western leaders. (With agency inputs)