President Joe Biden has enacted a $95 billion war aid measure that will expedite the delivery of weaponry to Ukraine, marking a decisive stride in the United States’ commitment to aid Kyiv amid Russia’s invasion. The legislation, which also includes assistance for Israel, the Indo-Pacific region, and other international hot spots, signals an end to a grueling impasse with Republicans in Congress over the urgent support for Ukraine.
Biden announced that U.S. weapons shipments would begin making their way to Ukraine “in the next few hours.” “We rose to the moment, we came together, and we got it done,” Biden stated at a White House event. “Now we need to move fast, and we are.” This message underscores the administration’s sense of urgency in supporting Ukraine’s defense.
Approximately $61 billion of the package is allocated to Ukraine, with the first billion in military assistance already approved by Biden. This initial tranche includes air defense capabilities, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and other pivotal weapons aimed at boosting the Ukrainian forces’ morale, which has been battered by successive Russian advancements.
The aid arrives after a prolonged funding stalemate that began in August with Biden’s first emergency spending request for Ukraine. Despite this influx of new weapons and ammunition, it is not anticipated that Ukraine will immediately rebound from months of military setbacks. Jake Sullivan, White House national security adviser, cautioned that Russia might continue to make tactical gains in the coming weeks, admitting, “The fact is that it’s going to take some time for us to dig out of the hole that was created by six months of delay.”
Significantly, Ukraine has started using long-range ballistic missiles provided secretly by the United States, targeting Russian military positions in occupied territories, as confirmed by American officials. These ATACMS missiles are also included in the new military package, reflecting a deepening of U.S. military support.
The legislation, a testament to bipartisan efforts, also addresses concerns beyond Ukraine. It includes about $26 billion in aid for Israel and approximately $1 billion in humanitarian relief for Palestinians in Gaza, with Biden stressing the necessity of delivering the aid without delay.
Despite the achievement, House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republicans faced internal party pressures, including threats from far-right members, over the aid package. However, the bill’s passage was also influenced by former President Donald Trump’s shifted tone on the importance of Ukraine’s survival to U.S. interests, easing some opposition.
European leaders have closely watched the funding debate, with fears that decreased U.S. support for Ukraine could arise with a potential second Trump presidency. These concerns highlight the geopolitical implications of the aid and the international reliance on the U.S. as a security guarantor.
Reflecting on the bipartisan support, Biden praised Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell for their roles in the legislative success. “History will remember this moment,” he remarked.
Biden lamented that the package did not include money to bolster U.S. border security. The White House had proposed including in the package provisions it said would have helped stem the tide of migrants and asylum seekers coming to the U.S. Republicans, however, rejected the proposal at the urging of Trump, who did not want to give Biden the win on an issue that’s been an albatross for the Democratic administration.
Relevant articles:
– Biden signs $61 billion aid bill for Ukraine, kyivindependent.com, 04/25/2024
– Biden says the US is rushing weaponry to Ukraine as he signs a $95 billion war aid measure into law, The Associated Press, Wed, 24 Apr 2024 20:28:00 GMT
– Pentagon rushes $1bn in weapons to Kyiv after Biden signs aid bill, Financial Times, Wed, 24 Apr 2024 19:25:35 GMT
– Biden signs $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, Voice of America – VOA News, Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:24:39 GMT
– Biden signs bill that includes funding for Israel, aid for Gaza, The Washington Post, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 06:27:41 GMT