Fear of military aid: a double setback for Ukraine from abroad Kosovo warns of escalation – the Swiss army is not currently expanding its contingent

In its defense against the Russian invasion, Ukraine has faced setbacks from abroad. In the US and Slovakia – traditionally two key supporters of Ukraine – there were domestic political developments this weekend that could have a negative impact on further support. On the other hand, EU Foreign Affairs Representative Josep Borrell, who during a visit to Ukraine promised support and assistance for EU accession, spread hope.

The US interim budget contains no further support for Kiev

The US Congress managed to avoid a threatened government shutdown at the last minute – Ukraine may pay the price for the deal. The adopted interim budget does not include any further support for Kiev until mid-November. US President Joe Biden signed the law shortly after the vote. But the Democrat also found words of caution: “Under no circumstances can we allow U.S. support to Ukraine to be interrupted.”

Since the start of the war, the Biden administration alone has provided more than $40 billion in military aid. Biden asked Congress this summer for billions more for Ukraine — demanding about $13 billion in military aid alone to guarantee support for Kiev through early 2024. There were also billions more for economic and humanitarian aid.

However, the fact that the interim budget does not include aid to Ukraine does not mean that Kiev will no longer receive support from the US. However, the funds approved so far are slowly running out.

A shift to the left in Slovakia could weaken support for Ukraine

There was also bad news for Kiev from Slovakia, an EU and NATO country directly bordering Ukraine. The left-wing National Social Democrats of former long-term government leader Robert Fico emerged from the parliamentary elections as the strongest political force. Fico had announced before the elections that he wanted to end arms aid, which was unpopular with the population, and only help Ukraine with civilian goods if he came to power. A ray of hope for Kiev: the Smer party will not have an easy time forming a coalition. And almost all other parties elected to parliament want to hold on to military aid to Ukraine.

The EU’s foreign policy chief assures Ukraine of support

EU foreign chief Borrell pledged support during a visit to Ukraine. The country needs intact security structures to join the European Union, Borrell said on Saturday in the Ukrainian port city of Odessa.

There was initially no information about the further program of Borrell’s trip, which was not announced in advance for security reasons. Almost two weeks ago, the Spaniard announced that he would organize a meeting of the foreign ministers of the 27 EU countries in Kiev.

As a topic for the planned EU meeting, Borrell mentioned his proposal to make longer-term financing commitments for military aid to Ukraine and to use EU money to support the supply of modern fighter jets and missiles. He wants to mobilize five billion euros annually from 2024 to the end of 2027. Moreover, it is likely to be at least marginally about Ukraine’s EU accession prospects.

Russia reports that it has fired missiles over Crimea

Meanwhile, fighting in Ukraine continues. Kiev is stepping up its attacks on the Crimean Peninsula, which has been annexed by Russia since 2014. The Russian army says it has intercepted two Ukrainian missiles over Crimea. “The debris of the fired Ukrainian missiles fell on the territory of the Dzhankoy district,” the Russian Defense Ministry said on its Telegram channel on Sunday.

The other side also reports attacks. At least five people were injured in late-night Russian attacks using bombs, drones and missiles in several parts of Ukraine, authorities said. Four people were injured when the town of Stanislav in the Kherson region was shelled with aerial bombs, local military administration spokesman Olexander Tolokonnikov said in the news program on Sunday.

British Minister: Military training will take place in Ukraine

British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps wants to move training missions for Ukrainian soldiers to the country attacked by Russia in the future. British defense companies should also produce in Ukraine if possible, the Conservative politician told the “Sunday Telegraph”.

However, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was quick to qualify his Defense Secretary’s comments. There were errors in the reporting, Sunak said on Sunday. The plans are for the longer term and not for the ‘here and now’. Shapps spoke about the possibility at some point in the future. No British soldiers are being sent to fight in the current conflict.

According to its own information, Britain has trained more than 20,000 Ukrainian soldiers on British soil since the beginning of 2022. (sda/dpa)