The US Senate has approved a foreign aid package worth USD 95 billion for military support for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. US President Joe Biden is expected to sign it into a law almost immediately.
The Senate on Tuesday (April 23, 2024) backed the measure which was passed by the US House of Representatives last week.
This includes USD 61bn in military aid for Ukraine, which the Pentagon says can start being delivered to the war-torn nation “within days”, reported BBC.
It was passed following a bipartisan vote of 79-18.
We stand resolutely for democracy and freedom, Joe Biden says
Reacting to the passage of the bill, Joe Biden said in a statement: “Tonight, a bipartisan majority in the Senate joined the House to answer history’s call at this critical inflection point.”
“Congress has passed my legislation to strengthen our national security and send a message to the world about the power of American leadership: we stand resolutely for democracy and freedom, and against tyranny and oppression,” he said.
The President further said: “I will sign this bill into law and address the American people as soon as it reaches my desk tomorrow so we can begin sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week. The need is urgent: for Ukraine, facing unrelenting bombardment from Russia; for Israel, which just faced unprecedented attacks from Iran; for refugees and those impacted by conflicts and natural disasters around the world, including in Gaza, Sudan, and Haiti; and for our partners seeking security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.”
Ukraine President welcomes US initiative
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on X: “I am grateful to the United States Senate for approving vital aid to Ukraine today.”
He said: “I am also grateful to all Americans who continue to support Ukraine and recognize that the historical significance of this bill extends beyond politics. I equally appreciate President Biden’s support and look forward to the bill being signed soon and the next military aid package matching the resoluteness that I always see in our negotiations.”
“Ukraine’s long-range capabilities, artillery, and air defense are critical tools for restoring just peace sooner,” he said.
Ukraine: Civilians injured in overnight attack in Odesa
OCHA says that aid workers in Ukraine reported an attack in Odesa on Monday night that injured civilians, including children, and damaged homes.
This attack comes just after strikes on civilian infrastructure in the Kharkiv Region on Monday, that reportedly killed and injured civilians, and partially interrupted telecommunications after a TV tower was destroyed.
Families in Odesa have received emergency, psychological and legal assistance from humanitarian organizations – this aid supports the delivery of emergency medical services, and primary health care, including mental health assistance by Ukrainian authorities.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported nearly 100 attacks on health care in Ukraine in 2024.