Yellen says House Republican delay on Ukraine military aid is "a gift to Putin"
Published Date: 3/7/2024
Source: axios.com

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and his fellow Republicans on Thursday that further inaction on additional military aid to Ukraine will only embolden Russia and other U.S. adversaries.

Why it matters: Delays to additional aid have forced Kyiv to ration ammunition and supplies, which has cost the lives of Ukrainian soldiers and allowed Russia to gain ground in eastern Ukraine.


What they're saying: Yellen, speaking at a meeting Thursday with Germany's vice chancellor, said further delays in Congress will be "nothing short of a gift to Putin, Iran and other adversaries that stand against America and its allies."

  • "The House must act and show the strength of the U.S support for Ukraine in the face of Putin's aggression," she said, per a copy of her prepared remarks.

The big picture: She specifically called on Johnson to pass a bipartisan $95 billion aid package that includes military and economic assistance for Ukraine that the Senate passed in February.

Between the lines: Some House Republicans likely won't act on Ukraine aid until Trump approves of it — and he so far hasn't.

  • Trump has either opposed additional Ukrainian aid or has demanded that any aid be given in the form of a loan.

Go deeper: Russian strike lands near Zelensky and Greek prime minister