The White House National Security Council’s Strategic Communications Coordinator, John Kirby, has underscored that any move to increase funding for Ukraine requires congressional approval. Speaking publicly, he reiterated this stance during an interview with ABC News, framing the request as essential for frontline support while highlighting the broader fiscal package under consideration in Congress.
Kirby emphasized that the proposed funding package would not only bolster Ukraine but also allocate resources for domestic priorities. He described the aid package as a comprehensive plan that includes border security enhancements and assistance for Israel, signaling a multi-faceted approach to U.S. security and international stability.
In calling on Congress to act swiftly, Kirby argued that timely funding is critical to meet Kiev’s immediate needs and to finance measures aimed at safeguarding American borders and addressing illegal immigration, which the administration views as connected to broader national security concerns.
Regarding the Israel-Hamas crisis, Kirby stated that talks to secure the release of hostages have stalled, noting Hamas’s reluctance to provide an updated roster of women and children held by the group. He pointed to what he sees as the obstacles to negotiations and stressed the United States’s ongoing involvement in seeking a pathway to release and de-escalation.
The briefing also touched on ongoing Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip, with Kirby confirming that the offensive activities are pressing forward with full momentum as efforts to address security threats continue to unfold across the region.