On Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy discussed Ukraine’s requirement for weapons and the escalation of sanctions against Russia . This is particularly in the oil and gas industries, during a phone call, as reported by Reuters.
However, McCarthy’s spokesperson did not immediately respond to the request for comment.
As the most senior Republican in Washington, McCarthy has been supportive of providing humanitarian, economic, and defense assistance to Ukraine. In December, they approved a $45 billion aid package that includes. It is with strong backing from both President Joe Biden’s Democrats and his fellow Republicans since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.
According to Reuters, some Republicans have questioned the move, arguing that the federal government should spend funds on domestic needs or allocate them to compete with the rising power of China.
McCarthy has stated his support for Ukraine, but House Republicans, who seized control of the chamber in January, will not issue “a blank check” for US help to Kyiv.
Since the Russian invasion began in February 2022, Congress has approved billions of dollars in humanitarian, economic, and defence aid for Ukraine, including a $45 billion aid package approved in December with strong support from both President Joe Biden’s Democrats and McCarthy’s Republican colleagues.
According to Reuters, several Republicans have questioned the plan, arguing that federal monies should be spent on domestic concerns rather than competing with emerging power China.
McCarthy has reaffirmed his support for Ukraine, but House Republicans, who took control of the chamber in January, would not give Kyiv a “blank check.”