US ‘can’t play political games’ over Ukraine aid, says V-P Kamala Harris
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) and US Vice President Kamala Harris held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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MUNICH – The United States must not allow aid for Ukraine to be held up by political brinksmanship, Vice-President Kamala Harris said on Feb 17, as wrangling in Congress blocks US$60 billion (S$81 billion) worth of military backing.
“As it relates to our support for Ukraine, we must be unwavering and we cannot play political games,” she said, next to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference.
Expressing confidence in Kyiv’s biggest financial and military contributor,
The two leaders were addressing the press after holding bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
Ms Harris noted that their last meeting in Munich was two years ago, five days before Russia invaded Ukraine.
“You and I have had many conversations over these past two years and you have shown extraordinary courage – and accomplishment on the battlefield,” Ms Harris told Mr Zelensky.
“It has been a source of our pride and our commitment to democracy and to democratic principles to support you in every way we possibly can. And our support is unyielding and unending,” she underlined.
Thanking Ms Harris for US support since the beginning of the war, Mr Zelensky underlined that Ukraine “needs your unity during such a challenging period for us, and of course in the US”.
With the US in an election year that could send Donald Trump back into the White House, fears have been running high that his return to office could upend the US’ current support for Ukraine.
Trump has spoken out against President Joe Biden’s military support for Ukraine.
Earlier on Feb 17, Mr Zelensky said he was ready to take Trump on a tour of the front lines. AFP
