On Saturday, 20 April, U.S. congressmen approved a bill to provide a nearly $61 billion aid package to support Ukraine in its fight against russia.
In a bipartisan vote, 210 Democrats and 101 Republicans supported Ukraine, while 112 members of the House – the majority of the Republican Party – voted against it. This comes after Speaker Mike Johnson brought a number of bills to the floor for a vote, despite fierce opposition from within his own party, many of whom oppose increased spending on the Ukrainian military.
The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi thanked the United States of America after the approval of the aid package.
“Democracy and freedom will always be of global importance and will never fail as long as America helps to defend them,” he said.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyi, the vital US assistance bill passed by the House of Representatives will keep the war from expanding further, save thousands and thousands of lives and help both our nations become stronger.
“Just peace and security can only be achieved through strength. We hope that the bills will be supported in the Senate and sent to President Biden’s desk. Thank you, America!” the President of Ukraine stressed.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk thanked the House of Representatives and Speaker Mike Johnson for passing the bill on assistance to Ukraine.
“This decision once again demonstrates solidarity and support for Ukraine as the courageous Ukrainian people are fighting against the russian aggressor.
I would also like to thank my colleagues, the leaders of nearly 30 parliaments, who signed an open letter calling on Speaker Mike Johnson to facilitate a decision that will ensure US assistance to foreign countries and enable Ukraine to continue its fight,” said Ruslan Stefanchuk.
Out of the $60.7 billion in the bill for Ukraine, about $23 billion will be used by the US to replenish its military stockpile, opening the door for future US military supplies to Ukraine in particular:
About $13.8 billion will be used for the Pentagon to purchase the latest weapons systems for the Ukrainian army directly from US defence companies.
More than $13.4 billion can be used to repair military equipment and weapons that have been transferred to Ukraine and to train the Ukrainian military.
About $1.6 billion is earmarked for the purchase of weapons for Ukraine’s needs from manufacturers.
Approximately $7.85 billion will be allocated for economic assistance to Ukraine.
It is also worth noting that the congressmen raised the flags of Ukraine after the vote.