US State Department urges to use $6.2 billion for the Armed Forces

Several U.S. civil society organizations have asked the State Department not to miss the opportunity to use the remaining $6.2 billion in aid to Ukraine, which is still available under the presidential authority, but only until the end of the fiscal year, which expires on September 30.

This was reported by Voice of America.

“If the amount is not used, it could be an alarming signal about the US support for Ukraine,” commented Iryna Anpilogova, a representative of the Ukrainian Women's Union of America.

Organizations such as Nova Ukraine, Leleka Foundation and 107 branches of the Ukrainian Women's Union of America have formulated their own appeals.

“We believe it is important that the U.S. State Department notify Congress of the need to use the full amount before it expires,” Anpilogova emphasized.

Against the backdrop of a series of brutal Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent days, she added that these attacks are a sad reminder of the daily threat faced by Ukrainian civilians when Russia strikes civilian infrastructure, including children's hospitals and schools.

“The summer of 2024 has been the deadliest since the beginning of the war, with countless civilian casualties. Every dollar is vital to protecting Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure,” says the leader of the California-based Ukrainian women's association.

Without these funds, she emphasizes, Ukrainian cities could be depopulated, leading to a refugee crisis that would affect both Europe and the United States.

If the current rate of “slippage” in appropriations continues until September 30, approximately $5.7 billion will remain unused, warns Razom for Ukraine.

“It is imperative that President Biden use his authority to withdraw the remaining assets allocated to Ukraine before the September 30 expiration date. We urge the State Department to act immediately to prevent these assets from expiring and to notify Congress to ensure they are used to strengthen Ukraine's defense,” the statement reads.

Razom for Ukraine calls on the State Department to publish a notice of assistance for the full amount of $6.2 billion.

“This would send a powerful message to Ukraine, Russia, and American voters that the [US] administration wants Ukraine to win.”

Ihor Markov, leader of Nova Ukraine, told Voice of America: “Billions of dollars in congressionally approved funds for Ukraine that have expired in previous years are a lost opportunity to provide American weapons and ammunition to support our heroic defenders. We urge the administration to prevent this expiration in 2024 and let Congress know that the remaining funds are still needed.”

Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 05/09/2024