Russia has requested a meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss Western arms supplies to Ukraine, TASS news agency reported.
The agency cited a source in the organization stating, “Russia has requested a Security Council meeting on January 22 to discuss Western arms supplies to Ukraine.”
Additionally, Western countries requested a Security Council meeting on January 10 to discuss the alleged arms supplies from North Korea to Russia. Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has repeatedly dismissed the accusations of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea as baseless and unfounded.
Western aid to Ukraine has been a crucial aspect of the international response to the conflict in the region. Since Russia’s invasion in February, the U.S. has been a major contributor to Ukraine’s support, approving a total of $66 billion in aid. This includes the significant $40 billion supplemental appropriations legislation passed in May, which was the only standalone aid bill. Additionally, $13.6 billion was passed as part of a larger omnibus appropriations bill in March and $12.35 billion in a continuing resolution bill in September to fund the government through mid-December. The $40 billion package included $19 billion in military funding for Ukraine, though not all of this goes directly to the country. It encompasses funds for training, weapons, military assistance, replenishing U.S. weapons sent to Ukraine, and enabling Ukraine to purchase new military equipment from the U.S. Another $3.9 billion was allocated for U.S. troops deployed to Europe as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
For 2024, Ukraine is seeking substantial economic assistance, with Kyiv requesting $8.5 billion in aid to help cover its budget deficit. The U.S. administration requested nearly $106 billion to fund plans for Ukraine, Israel, and U.S. border security, but the package faced challenges in the U.S. Congress. Discussions continue, and the package’s passage remains uncertain. Ukraine’s cooperation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is also vital for its financial stability. The IMF approved a new 48-month lending program worth about $15.6 billion, and Ukraine hopes to receive $5.4 billion in 2024, although each tranche is linked to reform targets and economic indicators. Additionally, Ukraine has negotiated financial support packages from Britain and Japan for 2024 and is in talks with other countries for further assistance.
