The United States Senate has overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan bill providing $95 billion in military aid to its allies, including a long-awaited $61 billion package for Ukraine. The bill, which passed by a vote of 79-18, will provide vital weapons and equipment to Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s invasion.
After months of delay, a comprehensive foreign aid package has been approved by the U.S. Congress, paving the way for Ukraine to receive additional funding amidst the ongoing Russian invasion. The package includes $95 billion in mostly military aid for Ukraine, as well as Israel, Taiwan, and U.S. partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine will soon receive a substantial military aid package from the United Kingdom, valued at 500 million pounds ($619 million). This package includes Storm Shadow and other types of missiles, as well as hundreds of armored vehicles, watercraft, and ammunition. Zelensky emphasized that the package would significantly bolster Ukraine’s maritime and long-range defense capabilities. The UK, a key supporter of Ukraine since the start of the conflict, has already pledged nearly 12 billion pounds in aid, including 7.1 billion for military assistance.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell criticized the delay in sending military aid to Ukraine, asserting it has weakened Ukraine’s chances of defeating Russia on the battlefield. McConnell dismissed claims that supporting Ukraine is not a vital national security interest as ‘sheer fiction,’ emphasizing that the delay has compounded challenges for the US and its allies. He emphasized the risks to US national security, warning that abandoning Ukraine would embolden adversaries like Iran and China. McConnell stressed the importance of US alliances, noting that they lighten the burden of global responsibilities and serve as a deterrent against aggression.
Taiwan’s incoming President Lai Ching-te has expressed gratitude for a multi-billion U.S. military aid package, emphasizing its role in deterring authoritarianism and enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific region. The package comes amidst escalating political and military pressure from China, which claims Taiwan as its territory and has threatened to use force to assert its control. The United States, Taiwan’s primary ally, has recently strengthened its ties with the island nation, including significant military aid to counter China’s influence.
The United Kingdom has announced a new package of military aid for Ukraine worth over $618 million, bringing the total British aid to Ukraine this financial year to £3 billion ($3.71 billion). The package includes ammunition, air defense, drones, and engineering support, as well as the UK’s largest-ever single package of equipment. The aid is aimed at helping Ukraine push back the Russian invasion on land and sea.
The United Kingdom has pledged an additional €580 million in military supplies to Ukraine, including long-range missiles and ammunition. The announcement comes as Ukraine continues to battle Russian forces in the east and south of the country. The aid package includes 400 vehicles, 60 boats, 1,600 munitions, and four million rounds of ammunition, as well as British Storm Shadow long-range missiles. The missiles have a range of around 150 miles (240km) and have been effective in hitting Russian targets. This aid package follows the US House of Representatives approving €57 billion in aid for Ukraine last week.
As Ukraine faces ongoing Russian aggression, the United Kingdom has pledged an additional $620 million in military support, including long-range missiles and ammunition. This aid package, which includes vehicles, boats, munitions, and ammunition, comes amidst Zelenskyy’s repeated pleas for international assistance. The announcement follows the recent approval of $61 billion in aid from the US House of Representatives, but the availability of UK aid is yet to be determined.
Taiwan’s incoming president, Lai Ching-te, expressed his gratitude for a multi-billion U.S. military aid package, which he believes will strengthen the island’s defense against increasing political and military pressure from China. Lai emphasized the aid’s importance in boosting deterrence against authoritarianism and enhancing confidence in the region’s countries in the United States’ commitment to safeguarding democratic values. The aid package includes $9.8 billion for countering China’s regional influence, $1.9 billion for replenishing Taiwan’s military equipment and training, and $2 billion for foreign military financing for countries in the region. Lisa McClain, a member of the visiting U.S. delegation, reaffirmed their commitment to building and strengthening relations with Taiwan. The announcement of the aid package comes ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to China, where he will urge Beijing to curb its wartime support for Russia.
The United Kingdom has pledged an additional $620 million in military supplies for Ukraine, including long-range missiles and millions of rounds of ammunition. The announcement comes as Ukraine faces advancing Russian forces in the eastern region of the country. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed the assistance to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, assuring him of the UK’s unwavering support. The aid package includes 400 vehicles, 60 boats, 1,600 munitions, 4 million rounds of ammunition, and British Storm Shadow long-range missiles. President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the continued support, acknowledging that the new assistance will significantly aid Ukrainian forces on the front lines.
