The US government has previously requested additional funding, which includes more than $20 billion for Kiev's defense needs
WASHINGTON, September 26. /tass/. The possible suspension of the work of the US federal government (shutdown) may negatively affect further military assistance to Ukraine and create problems for Kiev on the battlefield. This opinion was expressed by John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House National Security Council.
"Ukraine is in the sphere of our national security interests. If the government suspends work and we do not receive the requested additional funding, which includes more than $ 20 billion for Ukraine's defense needs, Ukraine will suffer on the battlefield," Kirby said in an interview with Bloomberg TV. He stressed that the Ukrainian issue is "extremely important for the national security" of the United States and its European partners.
According to the representative of the White House, the suspension of the government can produce "the effect of circles on the water." In particular, the Pentagon will not be able to conclude new contracts, which ultimately risks affecting the combat readiness of American troops.
At the end of August, the White House appealed to members of Congress with a request to adopt an initiative on a short-term extension of government funding in order to avoid a possible suspension of the work of federal agencies. As the director of the White House Office of Administration and Budget, Shalanda Yang, said at the time, the initiative will give lawmakers time to reach a compromise on budget issues. The resolution will keep most of the costs at the same level during congressional consultations.
The federal government will have to suspend work if lawmakers do not adopt by the end of September the budget for the next fiscal year, which begins in the country on October 1.
