Pentagon quickly delivers $1 billion in weapons to Kyiv following Biden’s approval of aid bill

President Joe Biden signed a $95 billion foreign aid bill on Wednesday, prompting the Pentagon to expedite $1 billion in new weapons to Ukraine. The aid includes air defense interceptors, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons to bolster Ukraine’s frontline troops against Russian attacks.

The move comes after months of delay due to a small group of isolationist Republicans loyal to former President Donald Trump blocking the aid. However, Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson defied the rebels and allowed the bill to pass, signaling a shift in Ukraine policy in Washington.

Biden emphasized the importance of standing with allies and opposing tyrants, stating that the aid package demonstrates America’s commitment to shaping global events. The Pentagon confirmed the inclusion of Stinger missiles, artillery rounds, infantry fighting vehicles, and other weapons in the aid package.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the aid will help defend Ukraine’s front lines and counter Russian aggression. The rest of the aid is earmarked for Israel and Taiwan, with a provision requiring ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, to divest the popular app.

Biden and his administration have issued warnings about the consequences of failing to support Ukraine, with the President highlighting the potential threat to NATO if Russia triumphs in Ukraine. Zelenskyy echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need to undermine Putin’s influence to protect freedom.