The US House of Representatives has passed a major aid bill worth $60.8 billion for Ukraine after months of delays, marking a significant victory for the country. The bill, which had been blocked by Republicans aligned with former President Donald Trump, finally made its way through with a cross-party effort on Saturday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for the decision, as Ukraine has been facing increasing pressure from Russian forces in recent weeks. Russian troops have been making advances in eastern Ukraine, with the town of Avdiivka falling to their control on February 17.
The aid package will now move to the US Senate, where it is expected to be passed tomorrow before being signed into law by President Joe Biden. Zelenskyy has been advocating for more weapons to be sent to Ukraine to counter the Russian threat, and this aid bill is seen as a crucial step in bolstering Ukraine’s defenses.
Meanwhile, NATO has announced plans to send more air defenses to Ukraine in response to escalating attacks by Russia. A series of deadly strikes on Ukrainian cities, including Chernihiv and Dnipropetrovsk, have prompted urgent calls for assistance with air defenses.
In a separate development, the UN’s nuclear watchdog confirmed three attacks on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, raising concerns about the safety of the facility. Spy scandals involving Russia have also continued to unfold, with Germany arresting individuals for allegedly spying on behalf of Russia and planning attacks to sabotage aid intended for Ukraine.
The situation in Ukraine remains tense, with the aid bill and increased military support from NATO seen as crucial steps in countering the Russian threat and protecting Ukrainian sovereignty.