The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, has emphasized the significance of the sanctions regime imposed on Russia, calling it the most substantial ever implemented due to the scale of the alliance supporting it. However, concerns have arisen as Russia has made gains on the battlefield, leading to a potential shift in momentum in the ongoing conflict.
The administration has been actively working to support Ukrainian efforts by providing necessary assistance, including urging Congress to allocate essential funding. Despite the challenges, the resilience of the Ukrainian people has been commendable, with the country reclaiming 50 percent of the territory previously occupied by Russia.
Thomas-Greenfield highlighted that Ukraine is not seeking direct military intervention but rather assistance in the form of tools and resources to continue their fight for democracy. The former Ukrainian first lady, Kateryna Yushchenko, expressed frustration over delays in receiving arms, stating that timely aid could have potentially ended the conflict sooner with Ukraine emerging as the victor.
While refraining from military assessments, Thomas-Greenfield reiterated the urgent need for assistance to Ukraine, emphasizing the country's crucial role in defending democracy on the front lines. The ambassador acknowledged the frustrations shared by both the Ukrainian government and the U.S. administration, underscoring the importance of expediting aid delivery to support Ukraine's defense efforts.