Borrell: EU will continue to help Kyiv regardless of US actions

The European Union will continue to provide support to Ukraine, as well as work with the United States to ensure that Washington continues to help Kyiv. This was stated by the head of the EU foreign policy service, Josep Borrell, before the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Kyiv, broadcast on the service’s page in X.

A Ukrainian journalist asked Borrell and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba to comment on the short-term budget approved by the American Congress without funds for Ukraine.

“We must continue to support you, and we are discussing with our American allies and friends to ensure that they continue to support you as well. I’m sure this is the solution [конгресса] will be reviewed and we will all be on your side,” he said.

Borrell also noted that he was surprised by the decision of Congress. “Let’s hope this isn’t the last word,” he said (quote according to RIA Novosti).

On September 30, the US Congress managed to agree on a short-term budget that will allow the US government to work for the next 45 days before the next vote, Vedomosti wrote. The document passed a vote in both houses of parliament and was signed by the country’s President Joe Biden. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Pa.), who introduced the bill, said it was necessary to give congressmen time to agree on a budget for the next fiscal year.

McCarthy’s initiative does not provide funding for Ukraine. Biden said it was unacceptable to cut off aid to Kyiv and called on McCarthy to “keep his word to the Ukrainian people” and promote the approval of the next funding package through a separate special law. It is expected to be unveiled soon.

The decision of the Congress does not mean a stop to aid to Ukraine, since part of the funding goes through alternative channels, noted experts interviewed by Vedomosti.