WASHINGTON, USA: The Biden administration has submitted a long-awaited classified report to Congress detailing its strategy for the war in Ukraine, according to multiple sources.
This submission, mandated by a multibillion-dollar spending bill passed in April, was due in early June but was delayed by several months. The report reached lawmakers on Monday, although they have not yet reviewed its contents. The White House has not commented on the delivery of the report.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Congress has approved nearly $175 billion in aid and military assistance to Ukraine and allied nations. In April, the Republican-led House passed a $95 billion supplemental spending bill, which included $61 billion in funding for Ukraine, along with aid for Israel and efforts to counter China in the Indo-Pacific.
Despite bipartisan support for aiding Ukraine, some Republicans have criticized the Biden administration for its restrictions on Ukraine’s use of U.S. equipment, such as limiting the supply of weapons capable of striking deep inside Russia. The administration argues that such restrictions are necessary due to limited missile supplies, the lack of necessity for targeting Russian aircraft out of range, and concerns about escalating the conflict.
Frustration had been growing among some members of Congress due to the delay in receiving the report, with some considering blocking further funding. Senator Jim Risch, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, emphasized the need for a clear strategy from the Biden administration, expressing disappointment at the delay and stating that the American people deserve a comprehensive plan for U.S. involvement in Ukraine.
The release of the classified report is expected to provide Congress with detailed insights into the administration’s strategic objectives and how it plans to support Ukraine in achieving victory against Russian aggression.
