Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has thanked the U.S. House of representatives for passing a $61bn aid bill. It was part of a major military package that also provided funds for Israel, Taiwan and several other allies.

Kyiv

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude towards the U.S. House of Representatives for passing a substantial aid bill valued at $61 billion. This significant financial support is part of a broader military assistance package that also allocates funds for other allies, including Israel, Taiwan, and several others. The aid is seen as crucial for Ukraine, which has been facing shortages of essential military supplies, such as shells for the frontline and air defenses to protect its power infrastructure.

President Zelenskyy emphasized the dire need for this U.S. military aid, stating that without it, Ukraine's chances of winning the war would be severely diminished. He highlighted the importance of the aid being translated into tangible weapon systems, noting that thousands of soldiers are in urgent need of such support. The aid package, which includes $14 billion in direct weaponry, aims to strengthen the armed forces of Ukraine, providing them with the necessary resources to potentially achieve victory.

The aid bill's passage through the House of Representatives came after a two-month delay due to opposition from some members. However, it now awaits Senate approval, which is anticipated to be forthcoming. Once signed into law, the challenge will be the rapid deployment of the munitions and weaponry to Ukraine. Although some equipment is already stored in Europe, the transportation to the Ukrainian front line is expected to take several weeks.

Military analysts have indicated that the incoming aid could be crucial in halting the advancements of Russian forces, especially ahead of a possible summer offensive by Russia. However, they caution that Ukraine may soon need to request further U.S. military support to sustain its defense efforts.



Ukraine says U.S. aid bill will halt Russian advances

Ukraine had been waiting for this for months, while it ran short of shells on the front line and air defences to protect its power plants. Without this US military aid package, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine would lose the war. I think this support will really strengthen the armed forces of Ukraine. And we will have a chance for victory if Ukraine really gets the weapon system, which we need so much. Thousands of soldiers need so much. And this aid should not be just spread in thin layer all over, but it has to end up in tangible weapon systems. Aid worth $61 billion, $14 billion in direct weaponry. It had been stuck in the House of Representatives for two months, some Republicans opposing it even going to a vote. It still needs Senate approval before being signed into law, but that seems all but guaranteed. This aid is coming late. With God's will, the Senate will approve it, so that Ukraine can regather its strength and fight back against Russia. Then the question is how soon the equipment can be on the ground. A Pentagon spokesperson said that munitions could be moved within days. Apparently, some of the weaponry is already in storage in Europe, but it will still likely take weeks to get to Ukraine's front line. Military analysts say that gives Russia a window to continue pressing its current advantage. For some time, its forces have been advancing slowly but steadily. The weaponry may be enough to halt that advance, and the summer offensive Ukraine says Russia is planning. But it's only a matter of time before the country will again need to appeal for more US military aid. John Holman, Al Jazeera, Kyiv.

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Ukraine Invasion