Defense

Veterans group blames Senate Republicans for holding up Ukraine aid

The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., is seen from Lower Senate Park on Monday, December 18, 2023.

Liberal veterans group VoteVets is out with a new political ad that blasts Senate Republicans for holding up aid to Ukraine, accusing the GOP of derailing the legislation and benefiting Russia.

The 30-second spot charges Republicans with playing into the hands of Russian President Vladimir Putin, flashing an image of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) after one of the Russian leader.

VoteVets argues that Ukraine has won back more than half of its territory but risks losing the war if U.S. aid stops, warning that American boots will be on the ground next if Kyiv falls.

And the ad slams the GOP for bringing up border talks as a condition for more Ukraine aid, accusing the Senate of working with former President Trump.

“Senate Republicans are holding Ukraine aid hostage, just to push Trump’s anti-immigrant wish list,” the political ad says.


Congress is ensnared in a fight over border security and Ukraine aid, with a deal unlikely before the new year as the Senate appears to be at an impasse over how to handle migrant reform.

President Biden has requested $61 billion for Ukraine as part of a larger national security package.

Approved U.S. aid is running out, and the White House warned this week it can send Ukraine just one more aid package before exhausting available resources.

VoteVets has played a leading role in the liberal agenda on Capitol Hill, also pressuring Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) earlier this year for his previous hold on hundreds of military nominees.