This morning, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed responsibility for a high-precision missile strike on the port of Odessa in Ukraine. The strike narrowly missed a convoy carrying Ukrainian President Zelensky and the Prime Minister of Greece, resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals. This incident is being described as the closest call yet for the Ukrainian president during the ongoing two-year war.
Russia has intensified its attacks on the region in recent days, prompting Ukraine to retreat from long-held strategic towns. Despite the escalating conflict, future USAID to Ukraine remains stalled in Congress due to political challenges.
Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Republican Congressman Michael McCaul, expressed confidence that funding for Ukraine will receive a vote in the House, possibly within this month. He highlighted bipartisan support for the aid and emphasized the urgency of the situation in Ukraine.
McCaul mentioned plans for an emergency supplemental bill addressing aid to Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region. The bill may include measures like the Repo Act to target Russian assets and a loan program for direct government assistance.
Regarding threats within the House, McCaul acknowledged the risk of ousting the Speaker if more Ukraine aid is passed. He stressed the importance of timely action, especially given the critical situation in Ukraine.
Shifting focus to Israel, negotiations with Hamas for a ceasefire and the release of hostages are ongoing. Israel has set conditions for a ceasefire, linking it to the return of hostages held by Hamas.
At the State of the Union address, McCaul will be accompanied by Christy Shamblin, the mother-in-law of Marine Sergeant Nicole Gee, who was killed during the Afghanistan withdrawal. The committee is moving forward with potential contempt charges against Secretary of State Blinken for withholding documents related to the withdrawal.
The investigation aims to uncover the truth behind the chaotic withdrawal and hold individuals accountable. McCaul emphasized the need to learn from past mistakes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
