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Top Pentagon officials have warned that Israel and Ukraine desperately need military aid currently held up by Congress, noting that the delay is compromising their security.

During a session with the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Gen. CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressed significant concern about the military capabilities available to Ukraine in its war against Russia. He said, “Whether it’s munitions, whether it’s vehicles, whether it’s platforms,” Ukraine is outnumbered compared to the Russians. He added, “Ukraine right now is facing some dire battlefield conditions.”

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also commented on the situation, saying, “We’re already seeing things on the battlefield begin to shift a bit in Russia’s favor. We are seeing them make incremental gains. We’re seeing the Ukrainians be challenged in terms of holding the line.”

The discussions came against the backdrop of a contentious debate in the House over a $95 billion foreign aid bill, which the Senate had already passed. This bill is designed to provide not only military aid to Ukraine and Israel but also assistance to Taiwan, Gaza, and funding for the US military to replenish its supplies. 

Adding to the urgency, President Joe Biden has called on Congress to expedite the approval of the aid package, arguing that there are broader geopolitical implications of the aid not passing. He added, “We won’t let Iran or Russia succeed.”