The U.S. Congress swiftly approved a comprehensive foreign aid package on Tuesday, overcoming months of delay. This clears the path for substantial funding to Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression and Kyiv's urgent need for military resources.
The Senate endorsed four bills passed by the House of Representatives, with a resounding 79 to 18 majority. Last-minute action from House Republican leaders paved the way for the approval of the $95 billion package, primarily designated for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific.
Consolidated into one legislative package in the Senate, President Joe Biden confirmed his intention to sign it into law on Wednesday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed gratitude to U.S. lawmakers, highlighting the significance of the approved aid in a statement via the Telegram messaging app.
The largest portion of the aid, totaling $61 billion, is earmarked for critical support to Ukraine. Additionally, $26 billion is allocated for Israel and humanitarian assistance in global conflict zones, while $8.12 billion is designated for countering China in the Indo-Pacific region.
Included in the package, at the House's recent addition, are provisions addressing concerns such as the potential ban on the Chinese-controlled social media platform TikTok, measures for the transfer of seized Russian assets to Ukraine, and fresh sanctions on Iran.
Ahead of this, the Biden administration had already begun preparations for a $1 billion military aid package for Ukraine. This initial allocation includes various weaponry such as vehicles, Stinger air defense systems, ammunition, and anti-tank munitions.
Leaders from both Democratic and Republican parties in the Senate emphasized the message conveyed to adversaries like Russian President Vladimir Putin: the United States remains committed to supporting Ukraine and other allies.
However, this aid package may be the final one approved for Ukraine until after November's elections, given the upcoming political landscape changes.
Opposition to the aid, particularly from Republicans aligned with former President Donald Trump, has been notable. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell expressed regret over the delay, largely attributed to objections from hardline Republicans.
A portion of the aid, $10 billion, is structured as an economic support loan, a proposal previously advocated by Trump. Yet, the bill empowers the president to forgive this loan starting in 2026.
In a separate development, concerns have been raised in Sri Lanka's Parliament regarding reports of local individuals being recruited into the Russian and Ukrainian military forces under false pretenses.
MP Dayasiri Jayasekara disclosed instances where Sri Lankans were deceived into joining the Russian military, some deployed directly to combat zones. He highlighted the substantial sums extracted from recruits by these schemes.
Jayasekara underscored the concerning aspect of pitting Sri Lankan military personnel against each other in conflicts between Russia and Ukraine.
In response, Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe outlined ongoing investigations by the Police and the Foreign Employment Ministry into these fraudulent recruitment practices. He assured further updates through the Minister of Public Security.
Recent arrests of individuals involved in fraudulent schemes promising jobs in the Russian military underscore the seriousness of the issue, amidst reports of Sri Lankans engaging in the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine.
Comments
Post a Comment