Biden pushes for new aid to Ukraine
4:13 a.m.: US President Joe Biden urged opposition Republicans at a top meeting in the White House to approve new military aid for Ukraine. Biden said on Wednesday at a meeting with congressional leaders, according to the White House, that the blockade that has been going on for months in the struggle for new funds is endangering “the national security of the USA, the NATO alliance and the rest of the free world.”
“The President has called on Congress to quickly provide additional funding to support Ukraine and send a strong signal of U.S. resolve,” the White House said. The president also made it clear that the “challenges” at the US border with Mexico must be addressed.
The Republican chairman of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, spoke afterwards of a “productive meeting”. But Biden must do more on border protection and immigration and asylum policy. “We have to insist that the border has top priority,” said the arch-conservative politician.
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said there was “broad agreement” at the meeting that a bipartisan solution needed to be found. “The president has said time and time again that he is ready to move forward on the border.”
In October, Biden asked Congress for new aid for Kiev amounting to around $61 billion (almost €56 billion). However, this is met with rejection by parts of the opposition Republicans.
Zelenskyj makes an urgent appeal to his compatriots
1:37 a.m.: President Volodymyr Zelensky appeals to Ukraine and its people to take the initiative to influence the course of the 22-month war against Russia and secure the support of the world. “Ukraine needs an ambitious and proactive perspective, so that the initiative lies with us and not with the enemy, so that the end of the war depends on Ukrainian actions,” Zelensky said in his nightly video address. “The world supports those who have a perspective. And that is the fundamental task – to maintain the initiative so that we have the opportunity to become stronger.” In the war that has been going on for almost two years, the front lines have remained virtually unchanged for several months.
Wednesday, January 18, 2024
Bundestag rejects Taurus delivery to Ukraine
6:42 p.m.: In the debate about the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, which was attacked by Russia, the Bundestag opposed corresponding demands from the CDU and CSU. A motion from the Union parliamentary group, which expressly calls on the federal government to deliver Taurus, was rejected by the majority.