'Discussions Ongoing, But There Is Great Progress' - Markarova on U.S. Aid Package

Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova hopes that Ukraine will soon receive additional assistance from the United States, noting the continued strong bipartisan support for Kyiv in Congress.

"Based on my discussions at Capitol Hill, I can say clearly that we continue to have very strong bipartisan support despite these very difficult discussions, despite the fact that discussions are ongoing and we were unable to see passage of a relief package before Christmas, and discussions are still ongoing. But there is great progress in this," Markarova said during a panel discussion at the Ukraine House in Davos on Monday.

The ambassador emphasized that there are no discussions in Congress about whether to help Ukraine or not, but the question is about the issue of the southern border, which is tied to the aid package to Ukraine and Israel.

"And we are praying and talking to all our friends and allies and asking them to find a solution as quickly as possible so that we can move forward and get the support that we need, because we needed it yesterday," Markarova added.

She noted that now the issue of not only defense support, but also budgetary support is very important for Ukraine, since this is necessary for economic development and ensuring investment.

"I can tell you that Americans understand this fight and support it because we are fighting for the values on which America was founded. Now, how to move from support, from understanding to decision-making and getting the support that we need transformed into dollars and weapons, is the number one challenge. And I really hope that we have come to the end of this process and will soon receive additional support from Ukraine," the ambassador emphasized.

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Markarova pointed out that discussions are ongoing in democratic countries, and also "this is a very difficult election year." Therefore, as the diplomat explained, the question is how to go through democratic processes, "but at the same time, how to quickly make decisions."

"Because Iran, North Korea, Russia, Hamas are showing that they are capable of making quick decisions, helping each other and committing their terrible war crimes. Now the question is for democratic countries: can we do this? And I think that's one of the biggest discussions," she said.

In October, U.S. President Joseph Biden sent a request to Congress for financial assistance to Ukraine in the amount of $61.4 billion for a year, as well as $14.3 billion to strengthen Israel's defense. In addition, Biden has requested $13.6 billion to secure the U.S.-Mexico border and $7.4 billion for other national security priorities. In total, the U.S. President asked Congress for approval for additional funding in the amount of $106.7 billion.