Ukraine’s Urgent Need for Military Support
The chief of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has issued a stark warning about Ukraine’s ability to withstand the ongoing conflict with Russia without increased military aid from the United States.
Critical Situation
Bill Burns emphasized the urgent need for additional support, stating that Ukraine could face defeat by the end of this year if it does not receive the necessary assistance. The US House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine, which has faced delays due to political factors.
High Stakes
In a recent speech, Burns highlighted the significant impact that military assistance could have on Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. He expressed confidence that with the right support, Ukraine could hold its ground until 2024.
Risk of Defeat
Without supplemental assistance, the situation becomes much more precarious, with a real risk of Ukraine losing on the battlefield by the end of 2024. Burns warned that this could potentially allow Russia to dictate the terms of a political settlement.
Lack of Ammunition
Illustrating the dire circumstances faced by Ukrainian forces, Burns revealed that certain brigades had severely limited ammunition supplies, with only 15 artillery rounds per day and a total of 42 mortar rounds available.
Call for Action
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also emphasized the critical need for increased military assistance to prevent the country from losing the war. The upcoming House vote on aid packages will play a crucial role in determining Ukraine’s ability to continue its defense against Russian forces.