US President Joe Biden delivers remarks urging C

US President Joe Biden delivers remarks urging Congress to pass his national security supplement request, which includes funding to support Ukraine, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on December 6, 2023.

The fate of U.S. aid for Ukraine hangs in the balance — little progress has been made since Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked an emergency spending bill to provide billions in funds for Kyiv, Israel and domestic security for the Mexican border.

Republicans, many of whom are growing wary of the level of U.S. funding for Ukraine, are leveraging the bill to seek tighter immigration controls on the U.S. border with Mexico. Biden has indicated some willingness to make changes on border policy to pass what he argues is a crucial support package for Ukraine, the U.S. and the world, but the issue remains in limbo.

Democratic leader of the Senate Chuck Schumer said Thursday that either Republicans take up an amendment offer or negotiations must resume. But uncertainty remains over what can be agreed before the holiday break.

The White House warned earlier this week that U.S. provision of military supplies Ukraine will likely run out by the end of the year without the release of additional funds. The bill includes $50 billion in security assistance as well as humanitarian and economic aid for Kyiv.

In Ukraine, troops continue to fight to recapture territory and reinforce defensive lines as harsh winter conditions set in.

Officials reported heavy Russian use of aerial attacks in eastern Ukraine, as well as the use of smaller attack groups in the intense struggle for the bombarded city of Avdiivka in the eastern Donetsk region, where losses on both sides are mounting.

AVDIIVKA, UKRAINE - DECEMBER 7: Ukrainian soldiers walk through the destroyed city on December 7, 2023 in Avdiivka, Ukraine. Both Ukraine and Russia have recently claimed gains in the Avdiivka, where Russia is continuing a long-running campaign to capture the city, located in the Ukraine's eastern Donetsk Region. (Photo by Kostya Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images)
Ukrainian soldiers in Avdiivka, Ukraine, on Dec. 7, 2023.
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In his nightly address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Japan for agreeing a $4.5 billion aid package for Ukraine, calling the country “consistent and very principled in its support of our country and our people.”

Zelenskyy also flagged upcoming parliamentary votes regarding what Ukraine needs to do to prepare for the start of negotiations with the EU over membership.