President Joe Biden is set to sign a $95 billion war aid measure into law on Wednesday, ending a long and arduous battle with Republicans in Congress to secure assistance for Ukraine. The funding package also includes support for Israel, Taiwan, and other allies, but the delay in passing the aid has caused significant damage to Ukraine’s ability to repel Russia’s invasion.
Despite the influx of new weapons and ammunition, Ukraine is unlikely to immediately recover from months of setbacks. The initial aid package of about $1 billion in military assistance is expected to be quickly approved by Biden, with a total of $61 billion allocated for Ukraine. This aid includes air defense capabilities, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and other weapons to bolster Ukrainian forces.
House Speaker Mike Johnson faced opposition from far-right Republicans, including Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie, who threatened to oust him if he allowed a vote on additional aid for Ukraine. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell warned that the delay in providing weapons to Ukraine has strained the prospects of defeating Russian aggression.
Former President Donald Trump, the presumptive 2024 presidential GOP nominee, has shifted his tone to acknowledge the importance of Ukraine’s survival. European leaders have expressed concerns about decreased U.S. support for Ukraine under a second Trump presidency.
The White House maneuvering to secure additional funding for Ukraine began months earlier, with Biden making a prime-time address to push for the supplemental funding. Despite challenges and delays, Biden’s administration worked behind the scenes to bring the aid package to a vote, ultimately finding common ground with Republicans to pass the legislation.
Military experts warn that Ukraine will need much more support for a fight that could last years. Realistic goals include avoiding the loss of major cities, slowing Russia’s momentum, and providing additional weaponry to Ukraine to potentially go on the offensive in the future. The $61 billion aid package is seen as a crucial step in supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts.