US Secretary of State Antony Blinken headed to Europe on Feb 14 as he faces an uphill climb to quell doubts over United States leadership, with Congress deadlocked on providing new aid to Ukraine and presidential contender Donald Trump lashing out at Nato allies.
Months before President Joe Biden stands for re-election, Mr Blinken is set to take part in the Munich Security Conference alongside Vice-President Kamala Harris, after first stopping on Feb 15 in Albania, a close US ally that has strongly backed Ukraine in its defence against Russia's invasion.
The trip comes as Ukraine is beginning to feel the pinch from a lack of new US weapons and ammunition.
Trump - Mr Biden's predecessor and likely Republican challenger to him in November is pressuring his party not to seal a package in Congress to resume military and economic assistance to Kyiv.
The Senate on Feb 13 approved a US$95 billion (S$128 billion) package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan by a comfortable margin, but House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Trump ally, has refused to put it to a vote in the Lower Chamber.
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin February 16, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin February 16, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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