WH NSC Spox Kirby Says Lapse Of Ukraine Funding Poses Risk On Battlefield

White House National Security Council Spokesperson, John Kirby, has told reporters that, "a lapse in support for Ukraine, for even a short period of time, could make all the difference on the battlefield," adding that such a lapse, "will make [Russian President Vladimir] Putin believe that he can wait us out."

• Kirby says President Biden held a call with allies today to discuss continued coordination of security assistance to Ukraine, "on the heels" of the Continuing Resolution passed by Congress over the weekend that failed to include new funding for Ukraine.
• Kirby: "Time is not our friend. We have enough funding authorities to meet Ukraine's battlefield needs for a bit longer but we need Congress to act to ensure there is no disruption in our support. This is particularly important as the Defense Department seeks to replenish its stocks from... almost 50 drawdown authorities."
• Barak Ravid at Axios wrote today: “The Biden administration is scrambling to try to assure U.S. allies that war aid to Ukraine will continue despite the growing number of Republicans in Congress who oppose it, four sources tell Axios. Ukraine’s government, U.S. allies in Europe and NATO officials are increasingly worried that if the aid doesn’t continue, Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian forces could be weakened dramatically."