Ukrainian troops could soon run out of ammunition and equipment if hard-right officials in Washington succeed in cutting US funding, experts warn. Since Russia invaded in February 2022, the US has pledged more than $43bn (€41bn) in military aid to Ukraine — more than half the West's total. Top US officials have repeatedly claimed military and humanitarian support for Kyiv will last "as long as necessary". However, the Republican opposition, pushed by a group of Trumpian officials, managed on Saturday to force Congress to approve a temporary budget that excluded aid for Kyiv. This compromise - which averted a government shutdown in Washington - illustrates aid is far from guaranteed for Kyiv. If funding was halted, "it would be devastating for the Ukrainians," warns Mark Cancian, an advisor to the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank in Washington. "Ukrainian troops would be weakened and could even possibly collapse," although he believes they could "continue to be able to remain on the defensive." Stopping aid, which the White House maintains will not happen, would have a delayed effect since many deliveries are in the pipeline. "We would surely have to wait several weeks before seeing effects on the battlefield," said Cancian. Plus Moscow may not be able to capitalise on this weakening, being "quite exhausted at this stage," he added. Far from the front lines, the end of US aid could also weaken Ukrainian air defences, which need to be continually resupplied with munitions. They play a key role in protecting Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure from Russian strikes. The European Union's foreign policy chief on Monday led a delegation of top diplomats on an unannounced visit to Kyiv, where he rejected worries about political tension in the bloc hampering its long-term support for Ukraine. Though largely symbolic, the informal meeting between EU and Ukrainian officials demonstrated the EU's "clear commitment" to Kyiv, Josep Borrell said at a news conference in Kyiv. "The EU remains united in its support to Ukraine ... I don't see any member state folding on their engagement." He insisted the bloc is devoted to "sustained engagement" with Ukraine. "Our resolve ... is firm and will continue." Borrell listed the commitment the 27-nation club has made and hopes to make, including proposed military aid of €5bn next year, a target to train some 40,000 Ukrainian troops and possible joint arms industry ventures between EU and Ukrainian defence companies. But their "strongest security commitment" for Ukraine is to grant it EU membership, he continued. Ukraine wants to join the bloc — something EU officials have encouraged — even though it could take decades, especially amid a war of attrition with no end in sight. Talks between the EU and Kyiv took place after the weekend election victory in Slovakia of former Prime Minister Robert Fico, whose pro-Russian agenda has increased the question marks about the EU's continued support for Kyiv. The small eastern European EU country could bring more tension to the bloc's discussions on Ukraine, as has happened with Hungary. Budapest has maintained close relations with Moscow and argued against supplying arms to Ukraine or providing it with economic assistance. — Euronews
