Early in September, I was getting urgent messages. The White House, for no discernable reason, was blocking congressionally appropriated aid to Ukraine. And “urgent” is the correct word. According to arcane budget rules, funds not obligated by the end of the fiscal year (September 30) would be lost – nearly $400 million, desperately needed to defend against Russian aggression in the Donbas. An outpouring of calls to the White House, the media and members of Congress forced President Donald Trump to back down.
Although $400 million is a lot of money, and Ukraine is not even in the top 10 of U.S. foreign aid recipients. Still, it’s enormously important. Losing that funding might well lead to Ukraine losing the war, which is why Europe is also providing massive assistance.