Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Tuesday told House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) that by making the question of whether to approve aid to the war-torn country a political football, he would “improve thousands of people in Ukraine.” He warned that people’s lives were at risk.
Such a strong statement from a foreign leader to U.S. lawmakers is unusual and comes as efforts to pass $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine are stalled in the House of Representatives.
“The lack of a decision to lift the block on aid to Ukraine is an important issue for Ukraine, for the United States, and for Western society,” Tusk told reporters in Washington after meeting with President Biden and his staff on Tuesday. It’s very important to the whole thing.” “We need to stop speculating whether the United States will continue to be involved in supporting Ukraine.”
Mr Tusk then took aim at Mr Johnson, saying: “I hope that the voice from Poland will have an impact and change the Speaker’s attitude,” before issuing a stern warning.
“Mr. Johnson must realize, and I hope he has already realized, that the fate of millions of people depends on his personal decisions,” the Polish leader said. Told.
“In fact, the lives of thousands of Ukrainians depend on his decisions.”
“This is not a political skirmish that only matters here in America,” Tusk added. “Without this positive decision by Mr Johnson, thousands of lives would actually be lost there, including children and women.”
“He must be aware of his personal responsibility.”
Johnson’s office did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
Biden’s “emergency budget request” for more than $60 billion in additional spending for Ukraine dates back to October of last year.
The Senate last month approved $95 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan on a bipartisan vote of 70-29.
But the measure has failed in the Republican-controlled House, where conservative hardliners have demanded that foreign aid be offset by spending cuts.
Mr. Tusk’s warning came on the same day the White House announced that the United States would send up to $300 million worth of military equipment to Ukraine, spending more than two months in the war-torn country. This will be an emergency aid measure.
Senior defense officials told reporters at the Pentagon that the weapons and ammunition packages will be sourced from existing U.S. stockpiles.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday: “If the Russians move in and open fire, Ukraine doesn’t have enough ammunition to fight back.” “It’s costing terrain, it’s costing lives, and it’s causing strategic damage to the United States and the NATO alliance.”
He added: “The world is watching, the clock is ticking, and we need to act as soon as possible while doing everything in our power to get Ukraine what it needs, when it needs it.” He added, urging its passage in the House of Representatives. Biden’s request for additional spending.
