April 21, 2024
Ukraine war in the live ticker
+++ 04:23 ISW: Russia will try to use time windows +++
This is expected after the US Congress has decided on a further aid package Institute for War Studies (ISW) that Russia will increase its attacks on Ukraine in the next few weeks. Even if the bill passes the US Senate promptly and is signed by President Biden, it will still take a few weeks until the military equipment arrives where it is needed. The situation on the front is likely to deteriorate further during this time, “especially if the Russian armed forces increase their attacks in order to take advantage of the limited window of opportunity until new US aid arrives,” write the ISW experts. After that, it would probably be possible to push back the Russian offensive.
+++ 00:42 Ukraine aid: US Senate votes Tuesday +++
After the US House of Representatives gave its OK for the multi-billion dollar Ukraine aid package, the Senate is scheduled to decide on the bill on Tuesday. This is what he announces to Democratic Majority Leader in the US Senate, Chuck Schumer, at X. Senate approval of the package is considered certain.
+++ 23:33 New attacks on Kharkiv +++
The city of Kharkiv will again be the target of Russian attacks late in the evening. The governor of the oblast, Oleg Sinegubow, calls on the population on Telegram to stay in shelters. According to the Kyiv Independent, explosions were reported.
+++ 22:13 NATO chief Stoltenberg: Approval of aid to Ukraine “makes us all safer” +++
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praises the US House of Representatives’ vote for additional billions in military aid for Ukraine as an investment in the security of NATO states. “Ukraine is using weapons provided by NATO allies to destroy Russian combat capabilities,” he said in the evening. “This makes us all safer, in Europe and North America.” Stoltenberg also viewed the passage of the Ukraine aid bill by the House of Representatives as a sign that there continues to be bipartisan support for Ukraine in the USA. He is now encouraging the Senate to act quickly to send the law to President Joe Biden. “This significant increase in aid will complement the tens of billions of dollars provided to Ukraine by European allies,” he said.
+++ 21:48 “Great day”: Baltic states welcome US vote for Ukraine aid +++
The Baltic states welcome the US House of Representatives’ decision to approve billions of dollars in military aid for Russia-attacked Ukraine after months of blockade. “Great day for the free world, great day for Ukraine,” writes Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkevics on X. “This vote promotes security in Europe and the Euro-Atlantic region.” Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas described Congress’ approval of US aid to Ukraine as a “decisive and correct decision.” “I hope this vote encourages all allies to search their camps and do more.” Lithuania’s head of state Gitanas Nauseda emphasizes: “It is a big step towards victory and all allies should continue to support Ukraine.”
+++ 9:30 p.m. US President Biden praises the approval of Ukraine aid and demands speed from the Senate +++
After approving new billions in aid for Ukraine and Israel in the House of Representatives, US President Joe Biden called on the Senate to act quickly. The Democrat announced that he would sign the law after approval by the second chamber of parliament. It is certain that the Senate will approve the aid. Biden’s Democrats have a majority there. A vote could take place as early as next week. “At this critical turning point, they came together to answer the call of history,” Biden wrote of the House members who voted for the aid and thanked them.
+++ 21:05 Kremlin spokesman: US aid to Kiev will cause more deaths +++
According to Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the billions in aid approved by the US House of Representatives for Kiev will “further ruin” Ukraine and lead to more deaths in the conflict. Peskov tells Tass news agency that a clause in the law allowing the US government to confiscate seized Russian assets and transfer them to Ukraine for reconstruction would damage the US image. Russia will respond with measures in its own interest.
+++ 20:57 British Foreign Minister Cameron: “Our common will is unbroken” +++
Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Cameron welcomes the US House of Representatives’ decision to approve a billion-dollar aid package for Russia-attacked Ukraine after months of blockade. This is an important step forward, says Cameron at X. If Russian President Vladimir Putin ever doubted the West’s determination to support Ukraine, it shows him that “our common will is unbroken.” “With support, Ukraine can and will win.”
+++ 20:46 Baerbock: Hearts of the most important Ukraine supporters back in rhythm +++
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock spoke of a “day of confidence for Ukraine and Europe’s security” after the US House of Representatives voted for a multi-billion dollar Ukraine package. “A major hurdle for US aid to Ukraine has been overcome,” the Green politician wrote on X. “The hearts of the most important Ukraine supporters are beating in rhythm again.” The USA and Europe stand together on the side of freedom and against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “war of terror”. After months of blockage, the House of Representatives today passed a bill containing around 61 billion US dollars (57 billion euros) for Kiev. The necessary approval from the Senate is still pending, but is considered certain.
+++ 20:24 Zelensky thanks the US House of Representatives for voting on billions in aid for Ukraine +++
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj thanks the US House of Representatives for approving billions in aid for Ukraine. “I am grateful to the US House of Representatives, both parties and personally to Speaker Mike Johnson for the decision that keeps history on the right track,” Zelensky writes on preventing the war from spreading, saving thousands upon thousands of lives and helping our two nations grow stronger.”
+++ 20:01 Zelenskyj: Ukraine could soon sign a bilateral security agreement with the USA +++
Ukraine could sign bilateral agreements with several states in the near future. President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in an interview with Brazilian journalists in Kiev, as reported by the Ukrainian newspaper Kyiv Independent.
+++ 19:55 US House of Representatives votes for billions in aid to Ukraine +++
After months of blockade, the US House of Representatives approved a billion-dollar aid package for Ukraine, which was attacked by Russia. The parliamentary chamber passed a corresponding bill that contains around 61 billion US dollars (57 billion euros) for Kiev. The necessary approval from the Senate is still pending, but is considered certain.
You can read all previous developments here.