Democratic and Republican leaders in the US Senate said Washington would not be able to approve new aid to Ukraine before the end of the year, as both sides continue to seek a compromise.


“As negotiators work to resolve remaining issues, we hope their efforts will allow the Senate to move quickly into the new year,” Democrats Chuck Schumer and Republican Mitch McConnell said in a joint statement. “For the remainder of this year, Senate and Administration negotiators will continue to work in good faith to finalize their agreement.”


“Difficult issues remain, but we are determined to meet the needs at the southern border and help allies and partners confront serious threats in Israel, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific region,” Schumer and McConnell said. “The Senate will not let these challenges pass.” National security remains unanswered.”


The Capitol Hill announcement represents another setback for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose government has warned of the “urgent need” for weapons ahead of winter.


Zelensky traveled to Washington in mid-December, his third trip to the US capital in a year, to press for aid. Ukraine’s president remains confident: He told a news conference on Tuesday that the United States “will not betray” his beleaguered country. The Kiev army has failed to launch a major counterattack in recent months, and Russian pressure on the front line remains strong.

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