Ukraine Feeling the Lack of Foreign Support With Intensifying Airstrikes 

Written by Sophie Ritzenthaler | April 22, 2024

On Wednesday, three Russian missiles hit the city center of Chernihiv just before 9 a.m., destroying buildings killing at least 17 people, and injuring dozens more. A hospital was among the buildings hit by the airstrike, video footage showed the damages to the facility along with medical personnel and patients evacuating. The city of Chernihiv is located in northern Ukraine, roughly 95 miles from the capital of Kyiv and about 50 miles from Russia’s border, it was the latest target in Russia’s increasing airstrike campaign. 

After news of the attack, President Volodymyr Zelensky commented that the incident could have been avoided if Ukraine had received adequate air defense equipment. President Zelensky has said that Ukraine has run out of missiles to defend against Russian attacks, including one last week that destroyed Kyiv’s largest power plant in the region. These comments follow the lack of support from Ukraine’s allies, such as the United States, which has been dragging its feet on approving more aid for Ukraine. 

Congress has been taking its time renewing financial support for Ukraine but House Speaker, Mike Johnson, rolled out a bill on Wednesday in hopes of voting on it by Saturday. Funding for Ukraine has been a dividing issue of the GOP with many Republicans opposing the aid. Since many Republicans are against providing funding for Ukraine, it will be up to Democrats to pass the funding. 

This funding will help to provide Ukraine with more resources and ammunition to continue Ukraine’s fight against Russia. President Zelensky has made it clear that it will not be able to win the war without continued support from its allies such as the United States. Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, said there is no plan B if the aid bill fails. As of Saturday morning, the aid bill has been brought forward for a vote despite the threat to oust Speaker Johnson if he moves aid for Ukraine forward. As of Saturday afternoon, the aid bill successfully passed in the House and Ukraine will receive around 60 billion dollars, helping to aid war efforts and save lives. The EU and Ukraine have expressed gratitude for the funding.