Gen. Christopher Cavoli, head of US European Command, warned Congress that the war in Ukraine has reached a critical juncture, according to the Washington Post. Russia is expected to have a 10:1 advantage in artillery shells within weeks unless the US approves additional military support for Ukraine, said Cavoli. 

“The severity of this moment cannot be overstated,” Gen. Cavoli said while testifying before the House Armed Services Committee. “The side that can’t shoot back loses. The stakes are very high.”

Despite the Senate passing a $95 billion bill in February, additional military support for Ukraine has been stalled in Congress for six months. House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to hold a vote on a national security spending package that includes about $60 billion for Ukraine and $14 billion for Israel.

Although lawmakers remain divided on additional funding for Ukraine, the measure is expected to pass the House with some Republican support if brought to a vote, the WP reports. 

Gen. Cavoli’s comments follow warnings from other senior US officials urging Congress to provide more aid to Ukraine to prevent further Russian advances. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also stated that without American assistance, Ukraine would be forced to retreat. 

Read more:

• “No US aid, no choice but retreat,” Zelenskyy warns
• Politico: Biden’s team quietly collaborates with House Speaker Mike Johnson to secure Ukraine aid
• Zelenskyy to Speaker Johnson: Swift passage of aid for Ukraine by Congress is critical
• US House Speaker Jonson promises Ukraine aid bill vote with “innovations” after recess