Republicans in the US Congress are seriously considering providing at least part of the Ukrainian aid package in the form of a loan as a possible solution to the months-long struggle to deliver support to Kyiv.
As Politico writes, Senator Lindsey Graham noted that during a meeting in Kyiv with President Zelenskyy, he discussed the prospect of an “interest-free loan that can be waived.” The loan option is also under serious consideration in the House of Representatives.
The Republican Party is considering the following structure for the loan agreement: $48B of the $60B requested by President Biden will be directed to the American defense and industrial base. Weapons will be sent to Ukraine, but this money will support American jobs, and the remaining $12B can be sent directly to Ukraine – in the form of a low-interest loan or interest-free.
However, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that Congress should approve additional aid to Ukraine and not discuss loan financing.