US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said today that congressional inaction on approving new US aid to Ukraine is “nothing less than a gift” to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iran and other adversaries as Ukrainian forces face ammunition shortages to fight against the Russian invasion.

Speaking at the start of a bilateral meeting with German Finance Minister Robert Habeck in Washington, Yellen again urged House Speaker Mike Johnson to pass the $61 billion military and economic aid package for Ukraine as soon as possible. . Members of Congress will be on Capitol Hill this afternoon, where President Joe Biden will deliver his annual State of the Union address.

“As the House continues to delay, Russia gains ground and Ukraine is forced to ration ammunition and supplies,” Yellen said. “The House must act and show the strength of US support for Ukraine in the face of Putin’s aggression. Congressional inaction is nothing less than a gift to Putin, Iran and other adversaries who are against the US and its allies»

Iran supplies missiles, drones and other weapons systems to Russia.

Yellen also said Ukraine’s fiscal support would depend on additional reforms and already “strong” transparency and oversight.