Dispute over US Aid for Kyiv Is a Warning to Europe

Republicans are blocking money and weapons for Ukraine; and with the threat of Donald Trump worsening, liberal Democrats need to prepare for these dangers.

Thus far, the White House has tried to be optimistic. The dispute in Congress over more money for Ukraine will soon resolve itself, and the political spectacle should not be overrated. After all, the U.S. had promised its ongoing support, and its word counts.

But an entrenched mood is now slowly spreading in the White House. Director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget Shalanda Young wrote a dramatic letter to both houses of Congress, saying, “There is no magical pot of funding available to meet this moment. We are out of money – and nearly out of time.” And she adds that should we reach the end of the year with no funding, it would “kneecap Ukraine on the battlefield, not only putting at risk the gains Ukraine has made, but increasing the likelihood of Russian military victories. This applies not only to liberating Ukraine, but also to self-defense, she adds ominously. One should take responsibility in the fight against autocracies.

This is unlikely to impress Republican leadership in the House of Representatives. Moreover, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ran into a brick wall Tuesday evening when he again sought support from senators. Republicans, who are blocking funds, are no longer committed to fighting against autocracy. On the contrary, they are listening to their very own autocrat, Donald Trump, who is using his power to bring Kyiv ever closer to defeat before the 2024 presidential election. Republicans are so obedient that they block every vote on aid, knowing there is a majority who favor funding in both the Senate and the House.

Even if with some luck Congress reaches an agreement, one can imagine what this would mean on Jan. 20, 2025 when Trump would take the oath of office for a second term if he wins reelection. And judging by recent polls, this prospect seems more likely than his being defeated.

Enemies of Democracy

The funding issue has fundamental implications for Europe. With help from Russia, right-leaning political parties and, less frequently, left-leaning parties are already sawing away at the foundations of democracy and the way of life that has brought peace and prosperity to the continent in recent decades. A defeated Kyiv or a victorious Trump would only accelerate this trend; societies and democratic politics must be prepared for this.

The good news is that even if European countries have little influence on what happens in America, they can shape developments here and defend liberal society against challenges. This includes taking on the enemies of democracy more directly instead of bringing them into the government through coalitions and giving in to their demands.

None of this is easy. However, it may be easier if there is some clarity about what is at stake. It helps to understand that events currently taking place in the U.S. are not simply political skirmishes, but harbingers of further developments and just a few of the many warning signals for Europe. With this in mind, Young sent her letter to the wrong entity, but she may have sent it at the right time.