WASHINGTON/KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff said on Dec 5 that the postponement of US assistance for Kyiv being debated in Congress would create a “big risk” of Ukraine losing the war with Russia.

The remarks by Mr Andriy Yermak were some of the frankest yet from a senior Kyiv official, as uncertainty swirls over the future of vital United States and European Union assistance packages as Ukraine’s war with Russia rages on.

If the aid is postponed, “it gives the big risk that we can be in the same position to which we’re located now”, he said, addressing the audience in English.

“And of course, it makes this very high possibility impossible to continually liberate and give the big risk to lose this war.”

On Dec 4, White House officials said the US was running out of time and money to help Ukraine fight its war against Russia.

President Joe Biden’s administration asked Congress in October for nearly US$106 billion (S$142 billion) to fund ambitious plans for Ukraine, Israel and US border security, but Republicans who control the House with a slim majority rejected the package.

US officials hope they can still get a significant package approved.

Mr Yermak singled out the threat of no more direct budgetary support as a problem. The Ukrainian government expects to have a US$43 billion budget deficit in 2024.

“Of course, without this direct budget support, it will be difficult to keep… in (the) same positions and... for the people to really survive... during the situation when the war will continue,” he said.

“That is why it is extremely critically important that this support will be voted (on) and will be voted (on) as soon as possible.”

Mr Yermak was making his second visit to Washington in a matter of weeks. He said he planned to press lawmakers and administration officials on the critical importance that Congress approve the new aid package.

Ukraine conducted a major counter-offensive push in 2023, but was unable to break through Russian defensive lines. Russia is now on the offensive in the east.

Mr Yermak said that Kyiv had a plan for 2024.

“We really have a plan and this plan... includes the military operations... includes diplomatic activity and of course it includes our cooperation in... communications and information,” he said. REUTERS