Russia has strongly criticized a new U.S. aid package worth $61 billion for Ukraine, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claiming that it will lead to more carnage in the conflict. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova also stated that the wider aid package, which includes aid for Israel and Taiwan, will exacerbate global crises. Russia accuses Kyiv of terrorist activity for conducting sporadic drone and missile attacks against its territory and energy infrastructure, while Ukraine argues that it does not target civilian infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude towards U.S. lawmakers in the House of Representatives for passing the vital aid package, stating that it will help prevent the war from expanding, save lives, and strengthen both nations. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of rapid approval of the bill by the Senate to ensure a quick reinforcement of Ukrainian forces. Ukraine has been facing shortages of supplies in the east of the country, with Russian forces making gains in the Donbas region. The aid package is seen as a lifeline for Ukraine, providing much-needed support for its military operations.
Matthew Savill, the Military Sciences Director at RUSI, noted that while the aid package and boost to morale and ammunition stocks will benefit the Ukrainian military, further funding will be required to sustain operations beyond 2024. The funding is expected to stabilize the Ukrainian position for the current year and lay the groundwork for future operations. However, additional planning and funds will be necessary for 2025, especially with a U.S. election looming in the interim. The predictability of funding through 2024 and beyond will help Ukraine plan its defense strategies.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a $95 billion legislative package providing security assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, with bipartisan support. The bill, which now moves to the Senate for consideration, includes funding for addressing the conflict in Ukraine, providing humanitarian aid to Israel, and supporting the Indo-Pacific region, including Taiwan. Democratic President Joe Biden and top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell had been advocating for the passage of the bill, which is set to undergo preliminary votes in the Senate before final passage next week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the aid package, stating that it will help prevent the war from escalating and save lives.
The Biden administration is already finalizing its next assistance package for Ukraine to meet the country’s urgent battlefield needs. The new tranche of aid will be announced soon after the bill becomes law to provide additional support to Ukraine’s military operations. Republican hardliners in the U.S. House of Representatives had objected to the aid package, but the broad bipartisan support ensured its passage. The legislation provides substantial funding for security assistance in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, reflecting a commitment to bolstering support for these nations in the face of regional challenges. The aid package aims to strengthen the defense capabilities of Ukraine and its allies while addressing humanitarian needs in the region.
