According to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on Wednesday, the Biden administration has taken steps to cancel roughly $4.7 billion in U.S. debts to Ukraine as departing officials attempt to support Ukraine in its war against Russia as much as possible before they leave office.
Just over $9.4 billion in forgiven loans for financial and economic support to Ukraine’s government were part of a spending measure approved by the U.S. Congress in April; the president might cancel half of these loans after November 15.
A total of $61 billion was appropriated under the measure to support Ukraine in its defense against Moscow’s full-scale invasion that began in February 2022.
At a news briefing, Miller stated, “We have taken the step that was outlined in the law to cancel those loans,” adding that the action was made in the last few days.
“The move could still be blocked by Congress,” Miller warned.
Republican Senator Rand Paul, a regular opponent of U.S. assistance for Ukraine, has introduced a resolution to disapprove debt forgiveness for Ukraine, which the Senate is scheduled to vote on later Wednesday. Aid to Ukraine is supported by the majority of senators from both parties.
Report this ad Amid worries that President-elect Donald Trump may curtail U.S. assistance, President Joe Biden has directed authorities to expedite as much aid to Ukraine as possible before he leaves office on January 20.
