Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Sunday that discussions are underway with the Biden administration to establish a “bilateral security agreement” that would commit the United States to provide Ukraine with military, economic and political support for the next ten years. The potential deal would secure long-term U.S. taxpayer funding for the embattled Eastern European nation.
Zelenskyy singled out House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) “and all the congressmen for their support” in passing the recent $61 billion aid package to Kyiv after months of heated debate. The Ukrainian leader asserted that the proposed agreement would ensure Ukraine could mount its strongest defense against Russian forces and would join existing agreements with France, Germany and the U.K.
The deal includes provisions for “joint production of weapons” though specifics were not provided. Zelenskyy noted that he and Jeffries agreed on the need for the U.S. to supply Ukraine with Patriot missile systems. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced on Friday that Washington would send additional Patriot systems to Kyiv as part of a $6 billion foreign aid expenditure.
Despite the influx of billions in funding and weapons, the war appears to be turning in Russia’s favor with reports of declining morale among Ukrainian forces as Moscow achieves successive victories. The proposed decade-long commitment to back Ukraine’s security is likely to face opposition from congressional Republicans and U.S. taxpayers growing weary of supporting prolonged global conflicts.
The Biden administration and Democrats have shown little concern for burdening future generations with the costs of today’s wars, making the deal’s approval probable. However, critics argue that the United States should focus on addressing domestic challenges such as the ongoing border crisis and mounting national debt before committing to long-term foreign aid agreements.
