Macron: Europe ready with $53 billion aid package for Ukraine if US falters
As US aid hangs in limbo, European nations might need to step in with a hefty $53 billion in aid for Ukraine approved under Ukraine Facility program, French President Emmanuel Macron said at the inauguration of a gunpowder plant on April 11.
If the US does not provide funding, Europe will have to mobilize and build new financial instruments, Macron said.
He pointed out that the European Union would then be obligated to secure additional funds, providing Ukraine with over $54 billion under the Ukraine Facility program.
"We can't turn our backs on Ukraine," the French president declared, stressing the geopolitical and security implications for Europe. "Ukraine's proximity, just 932 miles away, ties directly to our own security and the very existence of our geopolitical landscape."
European Council unanimously approved a new financial assistance package for Ukraine for 2024-2027 on Feb. 1, amounted $53 billion, of which $41.6 billion will be used to ensure macro-financial stability.
US aid struggle
Since October 2023, Republicans in United States have been blocking Ukraine aid bill, originally citing the need to tighten US migration policy.
However, on Feb. 13, the US Senate passed a bill providing $95 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, with $60 billion allocated to Ukraine.
Despite this, House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the Senate proposal and refused to submit it for consideration.
After a meeting with President Joe Biden on Feb. 28, Johnson stated he would bring the aid extension to a vote "in a timely manner," noting urgent need for aid to Ukraine.
On March 22, the US House of Representatives approved a $1.2 trillion funding package for government agencies, while on March 23, Senate passed the same package, leading President Biden to sign it and call on the House to pass a bill supporting Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
After Easter recess, Republican Congressman Don Bacon stated that the bill to help Ukraine would be voted in the House of Representatives.
However, on April 2, Marjorie Taylor Green, a Republican Party member, urged Speaker Johnson not to provide Ukraine with financial aid.
As of April 5, Biden administration was negotiating new aid for Ukraine with Speaker Johnson, who mentioned important innovations in the aid bill on April 1.
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