US wants to release $40 billion more for Ukraine in its war with Russia

The United States Congress, in line with President Joe Biden’s unwavering support for Ukraine after Russia’s military invasion of its territory, is debating a new aid package of almost US$40 billion for Ukraine, with a possible first vote tonight. this Tuesday.

These funds should allow Ukraine to equip itself with armored vehicles, strengthen its anti-aircraft defense and fight cyberattacks at a time when fighting continues in the east and south of that country.

It is also planned to allocate several billion dollars to guarantee “the continuity of Ukrainian democratic institutions”, as well as a large humanitarian component to face the invasion ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin since last February 24.

For several weeks, Biden has been asking the US Congress for $33 billion to help Ukraine. But on Monday night Democratic and Republican legislative leaders agreed to further increase aid, reaching a compromise of nearly $40 billion.

Members of the (Lower) House of Representatives could give the green light to this package Tuesday night, before a vote in the Senate at the end of this week or early next.

“Approving this emergency funding quickly is essential to help the Ukrainian people in their fight against cruel Putin,” Senate Democrats leader Chuck Schumer insisted on Tuesday.

In a Congress accustomed to political bickering, these measures enjoy very broad bipartisan support.

In a statement Monday, Biden urged Congress to “immediately” vote on this funding. There is, according to the US executive, an urgency.

“We assess that President Putin is preparing for a protracted conflict in Ukraine,” Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told an audience on Capitol Hill.

A traditional foreign policy ally of US presidents, Congress already released nearly $14 billion for the Ukraine crisis in mid-March, after hearing Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky compare his country’s conflict to the darkest hours of American history, such as the attack on Pearl Harbor and the attacks of September 11, 2001.

Biden on Monday signed into law the creation of a program that will make it easier for the United States to send military equipment to Ukraine, more than 80 years after a similar plan launched the United States’ involvement in World War II.