The US Senate approved $61 billion in aid to Ukraine: what next?

Biden gave Zelensky a critically important promise

Photo: pixabay.com

The US Senate approved a $61 billion aid deal for Ukraine, and Joe Biden said he intends to sign the legislation later.

Joe Biden told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday that the US would send desperately needed air defense weapons as only the law will be passed.

According to Sky News, the US Senate has approved the allocation of military aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan in the amount of $95 billion after months of delays and scandals, and Joe Biden intends to sign this law later.< /p>

The bill passed the Senate by an overwhelming 79-18 vote late Tuesday after the House approved the package on Saturday.

Once signed by the president, it will begin the process of sending weapons to Ukraine, which is struggling to hold its front lines against Russia, Sky News notes.

The legislation also provides $26 billion for military aid to Israel and humanitarian aid to Gaza citizens, as well as $8 billion to counter Chinese threats in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. officials said the aid is on the way About $1 billion could arrive soon, with the bulk coming in the coming weeks.

In an interview with The Associated Press shortly before the vote, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said that if Congress had not approved the aid, «America would pay a heavy price, economically, politically and militarily.»

«Very few things we have done have reached this level of historical importance,» he said.

Speaking on the Senate floor, Chuck Schumer said the Senate sends a message to U.S. allies: «We will stand with you.»< /p>

Chuck Schumer and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said Russia's actions could have dire consequences for the United States and many of its allies if left unchecked.

The Senate duo worked with House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, to overcome seemingly insurmountable Republican opposition to Ukraine aid.

The House approved the package on four votes Saturday, with some concerning Ukraine, received 311 votes to 112.

The $61 billion allocation to Ukraine comes as the conflict-torn country desperately needs new firepower and Russia has stepped up its attacks, Sky News notes and admits that Ukrainian soldiers are having a tough time as Russia has seized the initiative on the battlefield and taken significant territory.

Biden told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday that the United States will send desperately needed air defense weapons as soon as legislation is passed.< /p>

“The President assured me that the package of measures will be approved quickly and that it will be powerful, strengthening our air defense, as well as long-range and artillery capabilities,” Zelensky said in a post on PlatformX on Monday.