Biden calls GOP holdup of Ukraine aid ‘close to criminal neglect’ as he meets with Germany’s Scholz

By AAMER MADHANI, GEIR MOULSON and SEUNG MIN KIM
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says the Republican holdup on sending new U.S. aid to Ukraine for its war with Russia was “close to criminal neglect.” The comment came as he huddled with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the White House on Friday about U.S. and Europe’s efforts to maintain support for Kyiv. Scholz amplified growing concerns in Europe about a standoff between the Democratic president and House Republicans over the aid, saying a halt of aid is “a threat to Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.” Administration officials have said the impasse is endangering Ukraine’s efforts to repel the nearly two-year Russian invasion. House Republicans argue that the U.S. can’t afford to keep pouring billions into Ukraine’s war effort and that Europe should do more for Kyiv.