The Kremlin cautioned that American assistance for Ukraine could become a long-lasting mistake, and urged the US not to resist its invasion of the country as Congress is considering providing a $60 billion aid package. set to pass a $60 billion aid package.
The aid deal comes after months of negotiations, with support for Ukraine wavering among American conservatives as the Russian military gains ground after two years of fighting.
“The US getting more involved in the hybrid war against Russia will lead to a significant and embarrassing failure for the United States, similar to what happened in Vietnam and Afghanistan,” said Maria Zakharova, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Reuters reported.
The House approved a comprehensive foreign aid spending bill on Saturday, which includes funds for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, with a total of $95 billion. The Senate is expected to easily pass the measure, which President Biden supports.
Ukrainian leaders and American military experts, including CIA Director William Burns, have been urging Congress to provide aid to Ukraine for months due to the advancements made by the Russian military. Burns warned last week that Ukrainian soldiers are running out of arms and are unable to defend against Russia alone.
“With the boost from military assistance, both practically and psychologically, Ukrainians are fully capable of holding their ground through 2024 and challenging Putin’s confident belief that time is on his side,” Burns said Thursday.
“Without extra assistance, the situation is much more dire, and there is a real possibility that the Ukrainians could lose on the battlefield by the end of 2024,” he continued. “Or at least put Putin in a position where he could essentially dictate the terms of a political settlement.”
The US and NATO allies have refused to send their own troops to Ukraine, which is a fundamental difference between this conflict and those in Vietnam and Afghanistan.
