The United States adopted a gigantic package of military and economic assistance for Ukraine on Tuesday, the result of months of extremely tense and laborious negotiations in Congress. The $95 billion aid plan, which includes funds for Israel, Taiwan and an ultimatum to TikTok, received overwhelming support in the US Senate. “Finally, finally, finally. Tonight, after more than six months of hard work, and many twists and turns, America is sending a message to the whole world: we will not turn our backs on you,” applauded the leader of the Democrats at the Senate, Chuck Schumer.
Weapons soon sent to Ukraine
President Joe Biden immediately announced that he was going to promulgate the text, adopted a few days earlier in the House of Representatives, the other component of the American Congress. “I will sign this bill and address the American people as soon as it hits my desk tomorrow (Wednesday), so that we can begin sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week,” he said. -he declares.
Congress responded to “the call of history” with this law which aims to “strengthen our national security and send a message to the world about the power of American leadership,” he added in a press release. the White House. On social media, his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky said he was “grateful to the United States Senate for approving vital aid for Ukraine.”
These funds are the result of months of extremely acrimonious negotiations, the comings and goings of the Ukrainian president in Washington, and pressure from allies around the world. They even cost a Republican leader his job.
A relief for the Ukrainian army
The lion’s share goes to kyiv, which faces a complicated situation on the battlefield against Russia: $61 billion is spent on the war in Ukraine. American military assistance, interrupted for several weeks, should resume almost immediately, within “the coming days”, the Pentagon spokesperson said on Tuesday.
The adoption of this aid plan is a relief for the Ukrainian army, faced with a shortage of new recruits and ammunition, in the face of constant pressure from Russian troops in the east. The United States is kyiv’s main military backer, but Congress had not passed a major package for its ally in nearly a year and a half, mainly due to partisan wrangling.
The American president and the Democratic Party remained in favor of this aid, presented as an investment in the security of the United States in the face, according to them, of Russia’s aggressive aims. The Republicans, led by Donald Trump, have become increasingly reluctant, and the conservative boss of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, has long blocked the text.
Confiscate and sell Russian assets
The Republican leader in Congress ended up supporting the resumption of military and economic aid, with this justification: “I would rather send munitions to Ukraine than send our boys to fight.”
This aid plan also authorizes President Biden to confiscate and sell Russian assets to be used to finance the reconstruction of Ukraine. An idea that is gaining ground with other G7 countries. A large part of the envelope will also be used to replenish the stocks of the American army and will return to arms factories in the United States.