The Biden administration is preparing one final military assistance package for Ukraine to be announced by years end, according to White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby. However, Kirby declined to provide specifics on the amount or types of weapons to be included, only stating it would come before December 31st.Once delivered, this will be the last aid before Congress acts to approve more assistance. When that is done, well have no more replenishment authority available to us, Kirby confirmed. Congressional Funding Deal Stalled by PoliticsKirby urged Congress to urgently pass a new Ukraine supplemental funding bill, saying more aid is critical to help Ukraines ongoing self-defense efforts. Ukraine still needs our help, he emphasised, calling it well past time for Congress to act.In October, the White House requested $61 billion for weapons, equipment, and Pentagon restocking in a nearly $100 billion emergency package. But the proposal stalled on Capitol Hill amid Republican demands to pair it with tougher immigration enforcement at the southern US border.The White House has warned that the US will run out of aid for Ukraine in its war against Russia by the end of this year. Biden Open to Immigration Compromise for Ukraine AidWith control of the House, Republicans have significant leverage in talks who have voiced against additional Ukraine aid.Intense talks continued in the Senate on Monday seeking to break the stalemate over billions in new military assistance for Ukraine. A potential deal being discussed would package the war funding together with aid for Israel and long-demanded GOP improvements to security along the U.S.-Mexico border.But with senators hoping to leave town by weeks end for the looming Christmas and New Years recess, clinching an agreement in principle in the next few days remains deeply uncertain.President Biden has expressed openness to concessions on immigration enforcement and border security - issues Democrats have long resisted - in order to break the impasse over freeing up billions more in vital military assistance for Kyiv Still Unclear If Funding Deal Possible in 2023Despite renewed optimism in recent negotiations, whether the two parties can bridge the gap to pass legislation before the years end remains worryingly uncertain.
