The US Senate has approved a $95.3 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The aid package includes $61 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel, and $8 billion for Taiwan. The Senate voted 79-18 in favor of the aid package, while the House approved the bill on April 20 with a 311-112 vote. President Biden is expected to sign the bill into law within days.
The aid package will provide these countries with much-needed military and humanitarian assistance. Ukraine has been fighting a war against Russia since 2014, and the conflict has intensified in recent months. Israel has been facing increased threats from Iran, and Taiwan is facing pressure from China. The aid package will help these countries defend themselves and provide humanitarian assistance to those in need.
The US has been the largest single donor backing Ukraine since Russian troops invaded the country in February 2022. Since then, the US has sent Ukraine approximately $113 billion in a combination of cash, military supplies and machinery, as well as food and other humanitarian supplies. As a scholar of Eastern Europe, I think there are a few important reasons why the US has a lot at stake in supporting Ukraine.
First, the US is committed to supporting democracy and human rights around the world. Ukraine is a democracy, and it is fighting for its independence against a Russian invasion. The US has a long history of supporting democracies around the world, and it is important to continue to do so in Ukraine.
Second, the US has a strategic interest in preventing Russia from expanding its influence in Europe. Russia is a major military power, and it has been using its military to bully its neighbors. The US has a strategic interest in preventing Russia from expanding its influence in Europe, and supporting Ukraine is one way to do that.
Third, the US has a moral obligation to help Ukraine. Ukraine is a country that is fighting for its independence and its people are suffering. The US has a moral obligation to help Ukraine, and the aid package is one way to do that.
The aid package is a significant investment in the future of Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. It will help these countries defend themselves, provide humanitarian assistance to those in need, and promote democracy and human rights around the world.
