US President Joe Biden said that canceling financial aid to Ukraine could lead to a crisis in the Balkan countries.
Aid to Ukraine, which has been stalled in Congress for months, is part of a bill that would also provide funding for military aid to Israel and Taiwan.
In October, Biden requested an additional $60 billion for Ukraine, part of which would be used to replenish US reserves. Congress previously approved about $75 billion in aid for Ukraine.
Biden has warned for months that such a move would have dire consequences for Ukraine and the broader world order. Biden also warned that unrest could spread to Europe if Congress does not approve more aid to Ukraine.
"If we leave and Russia resists their attack and defeats Ukraine, what do you think will happen in the Balkan countries? What do you think will happen from Poland to Hungary?" Biden asked in a speech at the White House.
Last night, Biden signed a short-term spending bill that will keep federal government agencies running until early March.
The bill does not address additional aid to Ukraine, which remains blocked as top lawmakers continue to negotiate border security measures that would go hand in hand with more support for Kiev.
HAPPENING NOW:
— Alex Raufoglu (@ralakbar) January 19, 2024
Biden: "If we walk away and Russia is able to sustain their onslaught and bring down Ukraine, what do you think is going to happen in the Balkan counties?"
What do you think is going to happen from Poland to Hungary?"
#StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/IWSvW2y4ZZ