Ukraine will receive window of opportunity for American aid in April, says political scientist Saakyan

He stated it on Espreso TV channel.

Saakyan highlighted, "The political crisis is ongoing. But the window of opportunity for Ukraine will open around mid-April 2024. At that point, we'll witness Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson's efforts and gauge their sincerity. Whether he can muster the necessary votes hinges on his determination. The real challenge lies not in the votes per se, but in getting the bill to the floor for a vote. Then, it will become evident that there's bipartisan support for the aid bill, including Democrats and some factions within the Republican Party."

Saakyan noted that by mid-April, all formal procedures would be completed to ensure there are sufficient votes, if attainable, to bring the bill to a vote.

"Subsequently, Johnson will proceed with the existing Senate-approved bill or propose an alternative version, garnering support. Alternatively, a vote may occur on a modified bill, more progressive than the rhetoric from the Trumpist wing. Hence, April presents a window of opportunity for us, although nothing is assured. The political dynamics in the United States have their own complexities, which might escalate due to Trump's electoral calculus. Consequently, disruptions may occur. It's crucial to remain optimistic about the window while also preparing alternative strategies to avoid overreliance on American aid," Saakyan concluded.

Updates on the US aid package for Ukraine

On February 13, the US Senate approved the legislation containing the aid package for Ukraine.

The next day, February 14, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, stated that Republicans currently have no plans to vote on a bill to assist Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. They believe the US should address its own issues before tackling global challenges.

On February 16, the US House of Representatives adjourned until the end of the month without voting on the Senate-approved draft law for Ukraine's aid package.

US President Joe Biden announced on February 19 his readiness to meet with Speaker Mike Johnson to discuss the draft legislation for aid to Ukraine. The meeting took place on February 27.

On February 28, speakers from 23 parliaments urged the US House of Representatives to consider providing aid to Ukraine.

Responding to questions about Ukraine's aid approval on February 29, Speaker Mike Johnson stated he would address it once government funding issues are resolved.

Following a congressional vote on March 1, President Biden signed legislation to temporarily extend funding to federal agencies, preventing a government shutdown.

During his visit to the USA on March 13, Minister of Justice Denys Malyuska mentioned that Ukraine could receive $8.5 billion from the blocked aid package in the form of a loan.

On March 14, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stressed that the House of Representatives should pass a bill on financial assistance to Ukraine by March 22.

Speaker Mike Johnson informed Republican senators that the House of Representatives would draft its legislation for Ukraine's aid, proposing support in the form of lend-lease or loans.

However, the White House advocated for the adoption of a bipartisan bill exceeding $60 billion as the optimal way to aid Ukraine and urged Speaker Johnson to bring the document for consideration.

The US Department of Defense criticized Speaker Mike Johnson's proposal to assist Ukraine through loans instead of passing a bipartisan bill providing over $60 billion in aid.