Washington, 22 April 2024 (TDI): The US wants to start moving weapons and equipment into Ukraine within days of the anticipated passage this week of legislation that includes $60 billion in military aid to Kyiv.
The aid would arrive much later than Ukraine – running low on ammunition and staggering under a renewed Russian onslaught – had hoped. The analysts cautioned that there is no guarantee that more will be forthcoming.
The bill, which was stalled for a long time following deep splits in Republican camps, now heads to the Senate for a vote. The US House passes $95bn in aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The aid majorly comprises military technology.
This long-awaited bill, which passed on Saturday, saw broad bipartisan support and could be signed into law as early as next week after it passes through the Senate and lands on President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude on Saturday, saying US lawmakers moved to keep “history on the right track”.
“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,” said President Zelenskyy.
The aid to Ukraine includes $23bn to replenish US weapons, stocks, and facilities; and $14bn for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, a US Department of State-led funding program that helps train Ukraine’s military and provides equipment and advisory initiatives.
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More than $11bn will fund current US military operations in the region, enhance the capabilities of the Ukrainian military, and boost intelligence collaboration between Kyiv and Washington; and $8bn in non-military assistance, including helping Ukraine’s government pay salaries.
There were deep splits in the Republican camp on the Ukraine vote, Culhane reported, coming after months of hard-right resistance over renewed US support for repelling Russia’s invasion. The vote went 311-112, with only 101 Republicans in support.
“Notably, 112 Republicans voted ‘no’ for different reasons,” Culhane said.
Some believe the European Union should do more to help Ukraine, while others said the money should be spent at home and Ukraine has no accountability on how it spends the funds.
