Zelenskyj grateful for vote
US aid for Ukraine: West rejoices, Russia rages
April 20, 2024, 11:10 p.m
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According to Ukrainian President Zelensky, the US House of Representatives’ yes to billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine “keeps history on the right track.” Federal Foreign Minister Baerbock speaks of a “day of confidence”. Russia, on the other hand, is causing even more war deaths.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked the US House of Representatives for approving billions in aid to Ukraine. Shortly after the vote on “Democracy and freedom will always have global significance and will never fail as long as America helps protect them.” US President Biden also thanked the members of the chamber and called on the Senate to act quickly.
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock spoke of a “day of confidence for Ukraine and Europe’s security.” “The hearts of the most important Ukraine supporters are beating in rhythm again,” wrote the Green politician on X. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised the vote as an investment in the security of the NATO states. “Ukraine is using weapons provided by NATO allies to destroy Russian combat capabilities,” Stoltenberg said. “This makes us all safer, in Europe and North America.” The vote is also a sign that there continues to be bipartisan support for Ukraine in the USA.
“With support, Ukraine can and will win”
Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Cameron also welcomed the US House of Representatives’ decision. This is an important step forward, Cameron said on 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.”
Positive reactions also came from the Baltic states. “Great day for the free world, great day for Ukraine,” wrote Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkevics on X. “This vote promotes security in Europe and the Euro-Atlantic region.” Estonia’s Prime Minister Kaja Kallas described the approval 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 emphasized: “It is a big step towards victory and all allies should continue to support Ukraine.”
Russia criticizes vote
From Russia, however, it was said that the approved military aid for Ukraine would drive the country further into ruin. “The decision to provide aid to Ukraine was expected and predicted. It will further make the United States of America rich and further ruin Ukraine, it will lead to even more dead Ukrainians,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the Russian State According to the TASS news agency. Moscow had repeatedly accused Kiev of wanting to fight the fight with Western help until there were no Ukrainians left. Western arms aid prolonged the war, it was said.
After months of blockade, the US House of Representatives approved a billion-dollar aid package for Ukraine. 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.