The long-awaited €89 billion aid bill was approved by the House, and will go through the US Senate on Tuesday, sparking reactions from Ukrainian and Western leaders.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the aid package, emphasizing the urgency of the situation on the front lines. He stressed the importance of swift delivery of the aid to strengthen Ukrainian forces against Russian aggression.
The aid bill, which will primarily benefit Ukraine but also extend support to countries like Israel and Taiwan, is seen as a crucial step in slowing Russia’s advances in the ongoing conflict. However, Ukrainian commanders and analysts believe that more assistance will be necessary for Kyiv to regain the offensive.
The bill is now set to be reviewed by the US Senate, with President Joe Biden pledging to sign it promptly upon approval. Despite the positive reception from Western leaders, Russia has criticized the decision, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitriy Peskov claiming it will further strain Ukraine’s economy.
In a show of solidarity, volunteers in Prague staged a flash mob on Sunday to promote the “Estonian plan,” which proposes increased support from Western countries to help Ukraine overcome Russian aggression. The plan, developed by the Estonian Ministry of Defence, aims to rally international support for Ukraine through sustained financial assistance.
As the aid bill moves forward, the international community remains hopeful that this significant boost in support will bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities and ultimately contribute to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.