Luke Harding, a senior international correspondent at The Guardian, provides gripping on-the-ground insights into the war in Ukraine, touching on the emotional and physical toll of the conflict. Andrew Desiderio, a senior congressional reporter for Punchbowl News, dives into the complex political landscape surrounding U.S. support for Ukraine. They discuss the urgent need for military aid amidst opposition in Congress, the moral imperatives driving foreign policy, and the growing divisions within U.S. politics as elections loom.
Ukraine urgently needs American military aid to defend against Russian forces and regain territory, but Congress is hesitant due to concerns about the U.S.-Mexico border.
The funding battle for Ukraine in Congress has become a contentious issue, with Republicans demanding policy changes at the U.S.-Mexico border in exchange for supporting Ukraine, further complicating the situation and jeopardizing Ukraine's future.
Deep dives
Ukraine's Desperate Plea for Military Aid
Ukraine is in need of military aid from the United States as Russia continues its war with Ukraine. The war has been ongoing for almost two years, and the Ukrainian president, Zelensky, and even President Biden are urging for support. However, Congress is hesitant to provide the necessary aid due to concerns regarding the U.S.-Mexico border. The situation on the ground in Ukraine is dire, with Russian forces slowly advancing and launching massive assaults. Despite the resilience and optimism of Ukrainian soldiers, they lack the necessary weapons and supplies to defend their cities and people. The war has taken a toll on the Ukrainian public, with many experiencing personal losses and exhaustion. The conflict has become politically charged in the U.S., further complicating the issue of funding for Ukraine. The tie-in with border funding has made it even more challenging to secure aid for Ukraine, as Republicans demand policy changes at the U.S.-Mexico border in exchange for supporting Ukraine. This funding battle puts Ukraine's future at stake and raises concerns about the long-term support for the country.
The Complex Situation on the Ground
Luke Harding, a journalist from The Guardian, provides insights into the situation on the ground in Ukraine. Russian forces have been steadily advancing, and Ukrainian attempts to reclaim territory have been met with fortified defenses and attacks. The Russians aim to cut off the land bridge between Russian-held territory and the Crimean Peninsula. The conflict resembles a mix of World War I tactics and 21st-century warfare, with both sides having complete battlefield reconnaissance. The Russian strategy involves overwhelming Ukraine with superior numbers and grinding out a victory. Despite the heavy casualties on the Russian side, they continue to employ tactics like meat assaults, sacrificing soldiers in a relentless push. Unfortunately, the Ukrainian soldiers are outgunned, especially in terms of artillery, which plays a pivotal role in warfare. The ongoing conflict has deeply impacted the Ukrainian public, with the loss of loved ones and a sense of weariness pervading the society.
Funding Battle in Congress
The funding battle for Ukraine in Congress has become a contentious issue. Despite the urgent need for aid, Congress has struggled to pass legislation to provide military support to Ukraine. The issue has been further complicated by the demand from Republicans to tie funding for Ukraine to policy changes at the U.S.-Mexico border. This demand arises from a miscalculated move by the Biden administration to include border funding as part of their request for aid to Ukraine, which has given Republicans an opportunity to push for their own policy changes. The partisan debate surrounding the border issue has hindered progress on providing assistance to Ukraine. Additionally, the war in Ukraine has become a political matter, particularly among Republicans aligned with Donald Trump. Some Republicans, influenced by Trump's America-first foreign policy and viewing Ukraine as a political issue, have been staunchly against providing funding for the war. The outcome of this funding battle is uncertain, and the future of Ukraine's support rests on political and electoral shifts in the United States.
Last year’s counteroffensive failed and Ukraine needs American aid to win. Republicans in Congress won’t give it up without a fight.
This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin and Isabel Angell, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.