The Kyiv Independent
News, analyses, investigations, opinions, podcasts and more. On-the-ground reporting from Ukraine
Politico: Zelensky told Johnson Ukraine could hold on until 'March or April' without US aid.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky told U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson last December that without American support, Kyiv could fend off Russian attacks only until March or April, Politico reported on April 26, citing its undisclosed sources.
The U.S. assistance for Ukraine had been blocked in the U.S. Congress since October 2023 until April, when Johnson called a vote on a foreign aid package that included $61 billion for Ukraine.
The bills were promptly approved by both chambers and signed by U.S. President Joe Biden, restoring the flow of American military assistance .
Johnson's refusal to hold a vote on previous iterations of the aid bill has led many to blame the speaker for the delays that put a heavy strain on Ukrainian defenders.
Politico wrote that when Zelensky met Johnson in the speaker's office last December, he provided him with a "deadline" for how long Ukraine could hold on without Washington's backing.
Join our community
Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight.
Support us
This meeting and the pessimistic prognosis "contributed greatly to Johnson's decision" to hold a vote despite the opposition of hardline members of the Republican Party, Politico reported.
Soon after, Johnson's team was reportedly tasked with drafting a workable aid package by that deadline "just in case."
This was a notable shift compared to previous months when the speaker insisted on tying the foreign aid components with border security measures, which were seen as too draconic by the Democratic Party.
Another influence that pushed Johnson toward putting forward the Ukraine bill was his national security adviser, Josh Hodges, Politico said.
Hodges reportedly told Johnson that aiding Kyiv was a "cost-effective" way of countering the growing axis between Russia, China, and Iran.
There has been much debate on the real motivations behind Johnson's shift, and it is far from certain that there had been one decisive factor.
Despite Politico's story, after meeting Zelensky in December, the speaker said that the two officials had a "good" meeting but said that it had not affected the conditions for passing the bill.
Ukraine increases restrictions on energy supply for business, industry amid power shortage.
Ukrainian businesses and industry will face more restrictions in energy use due to a "significant shortage of electricity," Ukraine's state-owned energy operator Ukrenergo reported on May 10.
Ukraine could recruit up to 20,000 convicts into army, Justice Minister says.
Ukraine could fill its ranks with as many as 20,000 convicts in a move that would also help ease overcrowding in Ukrainian prisons, Justice Minister Denys Maliuska told BBC Ukraine in an interview published on May 10.
State Department: More announcements on Ukraine aid to come in next few weeks.
The U.S. will make more announcements on military aid to Ukraine "in the next few weeks," U.S. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters on May 9.
Russian attacks kill 2, injure 13 in Ukraine over past day.
Russian attacks across Ukraine killed two people and injured 13 over the past day, regional authorities said on May 10
General Staff: Russia has lost 479,710 troops in Ukraine since Feb.
This number includes 980 casualties Russian forces suffered over the past day.
Watch Business Live with Ian King
Join Ian King as he tackles the biggest business and economic stories, with reports and interviews live from our studios in the heart of London. Tap the 'Notify me' bell button to be reminded when the show goes live and make sure you don't miss an...
King too busy to see Prince Harry during UK visit, duke's spokesperson says.
Prince Harry has arrived in the UK but will not see King Charles during his visit marking 10 years of the Invictus Games. A spokesman for the Duke of Sussex said this was due to his father's "full programme", and that he "hopes to see him soon". I...
Bark Air: The first airline for dogs - DW News
Bark Air is the world's first airline that caters to the needs of dogs. Subscribe: For more news go to: Follow DW on social media: ►Facebook: ►Twitter: ►Instagram: ►Twitch: Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie: #dwbusiness #barkair #animals
Ukrainian tank unit hiding deep in forest obliterates Russian mortar crew firing from village.
Watch incredible footage of Ukrainian artillery taking out a Russian mortar in Donetsk. Shortly afterwards, Russia launched savage new missile and kamikaze drone strikes on Ukraine, to coincide with the Nazi's defeat anniversary in WW2. The Sun de...
Judge denies Trump's request for a mistrial after Stormy Daniels' 'irrelevant' testimony.
Former federal prosecutor Andrew Cherkasky joined 'Fox & Friends First' to discuss why he believes Daniels' testimony hurt Trump's prosecution and his reaction to the judge's denial of a mistrial. #FoxNews Subscribe to Fox News! Watch more Fox New...
U.S. withholds thousands of bombs from Israel
As talks about a cease-fire in Gaza continue, the U.S. has released details about a decision to halt the supply of certain weapons to Israel. NBC News' Matt Bodner reports for Early Today. » Subscribe to TODAY: About: TODAY brings you the latest ...