Ukraine Supporters Urge Biden for Stronger Case as US Public Support Wavers
Ukraine supporters in the United States are urging President Joe Biden to make a stronger case for increasing financial aid to Ukraine as concerns rise about waning public support. While the Biden administration is confident that the requested $24 billion in supplemental funding for Ukraine will receive congressional backing, supporters fear that a decline in public support could jeopardize future funding efforts.
Some of the most fervent advocates for Ukraine aid in Congress, including Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, have been urging the White House to better explain the strategic benefits of providing US assistance to Ukraine. Republican leaders in the Senate had hoped that Biden would be more vocal in highlighting the importance of supporting Ukraine, as Russia’s aggression poses a threat to both Ukraine and US allies.
Public support for Ukraine is particularly crucial in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, where 70 Republicans voted in July to strip all US military aid to Ukraine. While there are still enough votes between Republicans and Democrats to pass additional funding, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy will play a significant role in deciding whether to bring the bill to the floor. Some Republicans argue that any supplemental funding requests should include strict provisions against waste, fraud, or abuse to appease concerns about the effective use of taxpayer money.
A recent CNN poll revealed that 55% of Americans do not believe Congress should authorize additional funding for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The poll showed the strongest opposition among Republicans, with 71% opposing new funding. However, administration officials highlight that other polls indicate continued support for assisting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. They maintain their current approach, believing it has successfully rallied the American people thus far.
John Kirby, Biden’s national security council coordinator for strategic communications, emphasized the importance of continuing US support for Ukraine. He noted that failing to act would allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to take over Ukraine, posing a threat that could extend beyond its borders.
While Biden discussed Russian atrocities in Ukraine and the need to defend Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty during his July speech at the NATO summit, he has primarily focused on domestic issues and the economy in his public addresses. Republican aides have privately conveyed their concerns that Biden’s message lacks relatability to everyday Americans. They argue that Biden should emphasize how supporting Ukraine serves as a deterrent against China’s potential invasion of Taiwan and degrades a significant US adversary without risking American lives.
Supporters of Ukraine from both parties want Biden to effectively communicate the importance of assisting Ukraine to the American people. They believe it will impact future funding packages and stress that Biden needs to persistently discuss Ukraine publicly, rather than briefly mentioning it during campaign events. Some suggest broadening the argument beyond upholding the rules-based international order, highlighting how Ukrainian forces are defending the US against Russia at a relatively low cost.
The Biden administration acknowledges that slower progress by Ukrainian forces in recent months has made it more challenging to maintain public support compared to earlier stages of the conflict. However, they maintain a long-term perspective and are encouraged by the bipartisan support in Congress for providing further assistance to Ukraine in countering Russian aggression.
While Ukraine backers on Capitol Hill are anxious for Biden to reinforce the case for increased aid, the White House remains confident in its approach and believes that preserving US support for Ukraine is crucial to national security and global stability.
