Washington: The US Congress has finally approved a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine after several months of waiting.
Earlier, the bill was approved in the US House of Representatives. Now the Senate approved the bill with 79 votes in the 100-seat upper house. Now this bill is awaiting the approval of US President Joe Biden.
“I will sign this bill into law,” Biden said immediately after the vote. Tomorrow as soon as it reaches my desk, I will address the American people so that we can begin sending arms and equipment to Ukraine this week. He said he wanted to begin delivering arms and equipment to Ukraine this week.
Biden said, “By passing a legislative package of billions of dollars in aid for Israel and Taiwan, the US Congress has demonstrated the strength of American leadership in the world.”
“We stand firm for democracy and freedom and against tyranny and oppression.”
Biden said, “Ukraine, which is being subjected to continuous bombing from Russia, is in urgent need of support. The bill also includes aid for Israel, which has recently faced unprecedented attacks from Iran.
He added, “This important legislation will make our country and the world more secure. We support our friends who are defending themselves against terrorists like Hamas and tyrants like Putin.”
The US aid package provides for about $23 billion for military reserves, so the money will indirectly go to Ukraine and remain in the US.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked the US Senate for providing vital aid to Ukraine.
“This bill strengthens America’s role as a symbol of democracy and leader of the free world,” Zelensky said.
Earlier on Tuesday, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder told reporters in Washington that new military aid would be delivered to Ukraine within a few days.