The US Congress is following Joe Biden in his unwavering support in Kyiv and is working to release a colossal new package of almost 40 billion dollars for Ukraine, while the first vote for the approval of this package may take place later today.
These funds will allow Ukraine to equip itself with tanks, strengthen its air defenses and fight cyber attacks at a time when fighting is still raging in the eastern and southern parts of the country.
Many billions of dollars are also planned to ensure the “continuity of Ukrainian democratic institutions”, as well as a large amount of humanitarian aid.
Since the start of the war, Washington has promised or delivered more than $ 3.7 billion worth of weapons and ammunition to Kyiv, and in March Congress approved $ 13.6 billion in humanitarian, economic and military aid. aid to Ukraine by the end of September. Biden is urging Congress to approve a $ 33 billion aid package, of which $ 20 billion will go to military aid.
But on Monday night, Democratic and Republican leaders agreed to go one step further, reaching a compromise on a $ 40 billion package equivalent to Cameroon’s 2020 GDP.
The elected members of the House of Representatives may give their approval to this budget as early as tonight, before the vote in the Senate at the end of the week or at the beginning of next week.
“The swift approval of this emergency funding is essential to help the Ukrainian people in their fight against the ruthless Putin,” said Democratic Sen. Chuck Sumer. He stressed that the United States has a “moral obligation” to stand by “our friends in Ukraine.”
Adoption of this package is rare in a Congress that is so full of political controversy: these measures enjoy widespread cross-party support.
In a statement yesterday, the US president urged Congress to vote “immediately” on such funding, citing an urgent need.
U.S. intelligence chief Avril Haynes warned in a congressional hearing today that Putin was preparing for a protracted war in Ukraine and was considering reducing Western support for Kyiv. The Russian president “probably counts on a weakening of the determination of the United States and the European Union, when food shortages and rising energy prices will worsen,” he warned.
However, according to Biden, the resources provided by the US to help Ukraine will be exhausted within ten days. “We can not allow the distribution of aid to stop pending a decision by Congress,” he said.
These funds must also allow Americans to replenish their own stockpiles of weapons.
A traditional ally of US presidents, Congress has already released nearly $ 14 billion over the Ukraine crisis in mid-March after hearing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky compare the war in his country to its darkest hours. history, Pearl Harbor and the 9/11 attacks.
“Joe Biden, who regularly expresses his desire to lead the great struggle of democracies against authoritarian regimes, on Monday signed a law activating a Roosevelt-era measure to speed up military equipment deliveries to Kyiv, another important tool.” “In our efforts to support the Government and people of Ukraine in their struggle to defend their country and their democracy in this barbaric war of (Russian President Vladimir Putin).”
Once limited to weapons considered defensive, Washington now sends artillery, helicopters and drones to the Ukrainian military, whose soldiers are being trained to use those weapons in the United States or third countries before returning to the front.
SOURCE: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ
Source: Capital
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