Washington, 18 February 2024 (dpa/MIA) - US President Joe Biden blamed Congress for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine on Saturday, saying congressional inaction led to this defeat.

"This morning, Ukraine’s military was forced to withdraw from Avdiivka after Ukrainian soldiers had to ration ammunition due to dwindling supplies as a result of congressional inaction, resulting in Russia’s first notable gains in months," the White House announced on Saturday after a phone call between Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Biden once again assured Zelensky of US support and emphasized the urgent need for Congress to authorize a new aid package for Ukraine, the White House said.

After long delays, the Senate recently approved plans for new aid for Ukraine worth around $60 billion.

Approval in the House is unclear. Republican Speaker Mike Johnson has said he will not bring the bill up on the House floor. A vote is still theoretically possible via a complicated rarely used process known as a discharge petition, which could force the legislation to the House floor.

Biden, a Democrat, has repeatedly called on Congress to act.

The White House had recently warned of the fall of Avdiivka and blamed the inaction of Congress for a withdrawal. The withdrawal from the city, which has been embattled for months, is a further setback for the Ukrainian army in its defence against Russia.

Photo: MIA archive