Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a stern warning on Sunday, declaring that adversaries of the United States such as Russia, Iran, and China would be “happy” if the White House supplemental aid bill to support Ukraine and Israel stalled in Congress.
Blinken made the comments while discussing the need for Congress to pass the aid package, warning that an impasse would be a major boon to America’s enemies. When CNN’s Jake Tapper asked about the implications of a delay in passing the aid package for Ukraine and Israel, Blinken was unequivocal in his response.
“Our adversaries – Russia, Iran, China – would be very happy if we couldn’t make this assistance available,” Blinken said. “Because they know it makes us more secure, it makes our friends and allies more secure, it makes us stronger.”
The supplemental aid package, which would provide direct support to Ukraine and Israel, includes $3.4 billion for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, a program designed to help secure the country’s borders and build up its defense capabilities. The bill also contains $1.3 billion for the Iron Dome system in Israel, a missile defense system designed to coordinate with the US military in order to respond to potential threats in the region.
The US has been a steadfast ally of both Ukraine and Israel, citing shared values between their governments and a recognition that both countries are integral partners in maintaining US national security. The aid package seeks to underscore these commitments.
Blinken emphasized that providing security aid to Ukraine and Israel can have a positive ripple effect around the world, particularly in countries where Russia and China are attempting to gain influence.
“What we’re doing is standing up for our friends and allies, but we’re also standing up for our values,” Blinken said. “And by standing up to those who don’t share our values, we’re actually showing people around the world, including in places that Russia and China often try to gain influence, that we’re prepared to stand up for those values.”
The Secretary of State also noted that such a substantial package of assistance can help create a more stable and peaceful currency of the world.
“Ultimately, what we’re doing when we help Ukraine to achieve the same kind of stability and security that we have here, and when we help Israel maintain its own security and its own stability, we’re helping to create a more secure, more peaceful world.”
The need for this kind of security assistance is becoming increasingly urgent, especially as tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to rise. The US government has repeatedly offered its support to Ukraine, and providing supplemental aid is seen as a way to reaffirm these commitments.
Meanwhile, support for Israel has become even more important after a fragile peace deal between Israel and Palestine was announced last year. The supplemental aid bill can provide the necessary resources to maintain peace in the region.
The Trump administration was widely criticized for its lack of support for Ukraine and Israel, and the current bill seeks to reverse this. It is clear that Congress must act quickly in order to pass the bill and demonstrate America’s commitment to its allies and its values. Taking no action would be a major setback for the US, and send a dangerous message to the world that America is unwilling to stand up to its adversaries.
