US To Host Ukraine Defence Summit December 6-7

White House National Security Council Spokesperson Adrienne Watson has announced that, on December 6-7, the US will host a two-day conference of government and defence industry representatives to "significantly increase" weapons production for Ukraine.

• Watson: "The conference is part of the U.S. government's efforts to significantly increase weapons production to support Ukraine's fight for freedom and security."
• Watson: "Representatives from the National Security Council and the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Defense, and State will attend, as well as Ukrainian counterparts from the Office of the President and Ministries of Defense, Strategic Industry, and Foreign Affairs."
• Watson says the conference, "reinforces the U.S.'s long-term commitments to the U.S. defense industrial base, to Ukraine's economic recovery, and the joint commitment to enhance industrial, armaments, and security cooperation between both nations."
• The announcement comes as President Biden's USD$106 billion national security supplemental funding request, which includes around USD$61.5 billion for Ukraine, remains stalled in Congress with no clear pathway to authorisation.
• The prospects of supplemental funds passing Congress have decreased since House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) took the gavel last month. Johnson is aligned with the growing Ukraine-sceptic faction of the House Republican party and declined to include any additional Ukraine funds in this week's short term government funding measure.
• Prior to taking the Speakership, Johnson was one of 93 House Republicans to vote to stop all aid to Ukraine.