US Treasury Secretary Yellen has said: The US is responsible for a Ukraine defeat if funding stops
US Treasury Secretary Yellen has said: The US is responsible for a Ukraine defeat if funding stops.
Yellen, during a visit to Mexico City, emphasized the critical nature of funding for Ukraine, specifically highlighting support for Ukraine's general government budget. She stated that securing this funding is essential to maintain International Monetary Fund (IMF) support for Ukraine. Yellen expressed urgency, noting that failure to provide the needed funding could lead to dire consequences, and she emphasized the significance of direct budget support.
Having engaged with members of Congress on the matter, Yellen stressed the responsibility to prevent Ukraine's potential defeat by ensuring the necessary financial assistance. The delay in U.S. aid raised concerns, with Ukraine's chief of staff warning of a substantial risk to the ongoing war against Russia's invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had planned to address Congress directly for U.S. aid but canceled amid debates over Republican demands linking aid to changes in U.S. immigration and border policies.
Yellen underscored the crucial role of U.S. funding not only for Ukraine but also for European allies supporting Ukraine in its resistance against Russian aggression. She highlighted Ukraine's financial strain, emphasizing that the country is exceeding its revenue in military expenditures, necessitating external support for essential services like education, healthcare, and emergency responders.
Addressing concerns about potential misuse or corruption, Yellen assured that the U.S. aid to Ukraine is subject to stringent controls. The funds are channeled through the World Bank, which implements robust anti-corruption safeguards to ensure that the financial support serves its intended purposes.