The US House of Representatives has made a significant decision by approving a $60.8 billion foreign aid package to Ukraine. This move comes after months of deadlock and serves as a renewed show of American support to help Ukraine fend off Russia’s invasion.
The approval of this aid package was met with bipartisan support, as both Democrats and Republicans joined together to ensure its passage.
As the decision became clear, representatives could be seen waving small Ukrainian flags, symbolizing their solidarity with Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for this decision, stating that it keeps history on the right track.
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He emphasized the global significance of democracy and freedom and highlighted the role of American support in protecting these values.
Zelenskyy stated, “The vital US aid bill passed today by the House will keep the war from expanding, save thousands and thousands of lives, and help both of our nations to become stronger.”
In addition to the aid package for Ukraine, the US House of Representatives also approved bills to send foreign aid to Israel and provide humanitarian relief to Palestinians in Gaza, SurgeZirc UK reported.
Furthermore, the representatives supported giving security assistance to Taiwan and allies in the Indo-Pacific region. The package also included a measure containing several foreign policy proposals, including a threat to ban the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok.
The next step for this aid package is the US Senate, where it is likely to be passed on Tuesday. President Joe Biden has already promised to sign it immediately upon reaching his desk.
He urged the Senate to act swiftly, emphasizing the urgency of meeting Ukraine’s battlefield needs by providing weapons and equipment. The passage of this bill is crucial in ensuring Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian aggression.
However, Moscow has expressed its opposition to the aid package, stating that it would “further ruin” Ukraine and result in more deaths.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized a bill provision allowing Washington to confiscate seized Russian assets and transfer them to Ukraine for reconstruction. Peskov argued that this provision would tarnish the image of the United States.
On the other hand, UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron welcomed the funding as a vital step forward. He emphasized the collective will of the West to support Ukraine and stated, “With support, Ukraine can and will win.”
This sentiment reflects the determination of Western nations to stand by Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.
Not everyone, however, shares the same enthusiasm for this aid package. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican representative and ally of former President Donald Trump, has opposed assisting Ukraine in its war against Russia.
She criticized the focus on foreign wars and the war industry, stating that the attention should be directed towards securing the US border. Greene expressed her discontent with members of Congress waving the Ukrainian flag on the House floor, calling it a “sellout of America.”
President Biden initially requested this funding in October, as Ukraine’s military supplies began to dwindle. In February, President Zelenskyy urged Congress to pass the budget, expressing his concern about the world they would live in if it was not approved.
The approval of this aid package by the US House of Representatives is a significant step towards supporting Ukraine and ensuring its ability to defend itself against Russian aggression.
