Washington, April 17, 2024 (AFP)
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called it "inexcusable" Wednesday that Republican policymakers in the House of Representatives have delayed aid for Ukraine as it fights for a third year against Russia's invasion.
Speaking after a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal in Washington, Yellen stressed that US assistance is more critical than ever as it impacts Ukraine's ability to fight and deliver essential services.
"The failure of House Republicans to act to support Ukraine in this pivotal moment of the war for so long has been inexcusable -- and detrimental to our national security," Yellen said on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank's spring meetings.
Shmygal stressed the importance of US financial support, saying Russia was determined to undermine Ukraine's economy.
"We're counting on the United States to continue standing with Ukraine in our struggle," he said, adding that he hoped aid, including direct financial support would be "unblocked."
For now, the Republican leader in the House has announced a vote on a major new military aid package that includes around $61 billion in long-delayed support for Ukraine.
The vote is expected to take place on Saturday.
The far-right wing of the Republican party has for months been steered by Donald Trump into blocking aid to Kyiv as Ukraine runs low on ammunition.
On Wednesday, President Joe Biden also urged Republicans to drop opposition to the military aid package.
"Every moment of delay by House Republicans strengthens (President Vladimir) Putin and emboldens America's adversaries around the world," Yellen said.
Earlier Wednesday, Yellen and counterparts from Japan and South Korea affirmed their commitment to use sanctions tools to "impose costs on Russia for its war against Ukraine" and target North Korea's weapons program, said the Treasury.
"We strongly condemn the DPRK 's exports to Russia, as well as Russia's procurement of the DPRK 's ballistic missiles," said the statement, referring to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Jose Fernandez, Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment, told AFP "we are convinced that our Congress will come through with aid" despite ongoing debate.

Sumber : AFP