More than eight months have passed since the military invasion by Russia.
The United States, which has continued to provide huge amounts of aid to Ukraine, is now shaking.
Which party will hold the majority in the mid-term elections on the 8th of this month, Democrats or Republicans?
Depending on the results, the Biden administration may be forced to review support for Ukraine.
* Basic information on the US midterm elections is at the end of the article.
“So that I can go back to Ukraine…”
A neighborhood called Little Ukraine in New York.
Over the years, the church here has served as a spiritual home for many Ukrainian-Americans.
After the military invasion by Russia, a large number of people who had evacuated from Ukraine began to gather, and on Sunday when I visited for coverage, many people offered prayers.
"I prayed that
God protect Ukraine and Ukrainians and that all the world will help us.
" I am
Ukrainian aid opposition lawmakers increase
The United States has pledged to support Ukraine in the past.
The amount is several trillion yen in Japanese yen.
In the mid-term elections this time, the way that support should be has become a point of debate.
The US Congress has passed major additional aid bills three times in the past, and bipartisan lawmakers have voted in favor.
However, looking at the breakdown of votes, there were only 8 opposition in March, but 57 in May.
An increasing number of lawmakers are voting against it, and the unity of the ruling and opposition parties is fraying.
"Don't cut blank checks"
Last month, Republican House Leader John McCarthy sparked controversy.
“There are things the
Biden
administration isn’t doing at home.
I'm answering like
Reporter ``If the Republican Party becomes the majority...''
Biden ``I'm concerned about the termination of support for Ukraine''
Republicans: 'This is a war in Europe'
Rep. Scott Perry, a Republican congressman who is seeking re-election, has voted against aid to Ukraine.
The United States has already provided assistance on a scale that is outstanding compared to other countries, and it is necessary to limit it in the future.
Rep. Scott Perry:
"There are no restrictions on the Aid Bill. There are no restrictions on how much or when it can be funded, and it cannot be stopped by Congress. I wish America could help. But This is the war in Europe."
Democratic candidate: Should continue to support Ukraine
Democrat Shamain Daniels, who runs against Scott Perry.
A Venezuelan immigrant himself, he accuses opposition to aid to Ukraine against democracy and deepens America's isolation in the international community.
Candidate Shamain Daniels:
"Republicans believe that America is withdrawn, doesn't support allies, doesn't get involved in world affairs. We should continue to support Ukraine. We need to support a strong democracy."
Ask Yui Caster
How will the results of the midterm elections affect US aid to Ukraine?
We interviewed newscaster Hideki Yui, who will serve as Washington bureau chief until 2021 and is covering the midterm elections locally.
Q.
If the Republicans win, will the aid be cut off?
A.
I don't think the support itself will disappear, but I think it may affect the scale and speed of support.
Last month, a poll asking whether the United States had a responsibility to protect Ukraine found that 56% of Democrats said it was "responsible," compared with 29% of Republicans.
It can be seen that within the Republican Party there is a strong inward-looking tendency to put America first.
However, the Republican House of Representatives and Senate are divided on the issue of aid to Ukraine.
The House of Representatives has more members who are more cautious about support than the Senate.
▽ While House Majority Leader McCarthy made a statement suggesting a review of support,
▽ Senate Majority Leader McConnell is in a position to actively support Ukraine.
For this reason, in response to this election, how many candidates who advocate America First, who are close to former President Trump, will be elected, and whether the Senate or the House of Representatives will take the initiative within the party will be the key to predicting the direction of aid to Ukraine. becomes.
Q.
If Democrats win, will aggressive support continue?
A.
Although the possibility of continued support for Ukraine increases, in fact, the ruling party and the Democratic Party that supports the Biden administration are not monolithic.
Last month, 30 liberal Democrats in the House of Representatives sparked a controversy by announcing that President Biden should embark on a direct dialogue with Russia and speed up efforts to end the war sooner. .
Although the proposal was withdrawn in response to protests within the Democratic Party, as it gave the impression of negotiating directly with Russia over the head of the Ukrainian government, it highlighted the current situation where both the Republican Party and the Democratic Party are shaking over support for Ukraine.
Depending on which power emerges in the midterm elections, the Biden administration may be forced to review Ukraine policy, and Ukraine and other related countries are likely to pay close attention to the results of the election.
Basic information about US midterm elections
Midterm elections are held every four years, midway between presidential elections.
▽ Senate and House of Representatives elections and
▽ gubernatorial elections will be held.
The most notable federal election is the Senate, where about one-third of the 35 seats will be up for election.
Meanwhile, all 435 seats in the House of Representatives will be up for election.
Of these, the Senate currently has 100 seats, of which 50 are Democrats, including independents.
Republicans are tied with 50 seats.
But Vice President Harris, who serves as chair, has one vote, giving the Democrats a de facto majority.
Both the Senate and the House of Representatives are currently dominated by the ruling party and the Democratic Party, but the biggest focus is whether this election will change the composition.