US Approves $9.5 Billion Military Aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan

22 April 2024, 02:00 AM IST Photo: AFP

Washington: The US has finally approved an additional $9.5 billion (about Rs. 7.9 lakh crore) in military aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. Approval by the House of Representatives. The military aid bill has long been in limbo in Congress due to Republican opposition.

On Saturday, the House held separate votes on aid for each country. In the 435-member Republican-dominated House of Representatives, 311 voted in favor of aid to Ukraine. 112 people objected. The bill needs to be approved by the Senedd. It is expected to happen this week. The bill will then become law after President Joe Biden signs it.

The bill allows $6.1 billion for Ukraine, $2.6 billion for Israel, and $8.1 billion for the Indo-Pacific region, including Taiwan. Also included is $9 billion in aid to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza. The United States says that members of Congress have met the demands of history by voting. President Joe Biden said. He praised the Democratic and Republican members who voted in favor. Republicans have opposed the bill every time it has reached the House before, accusing the Biden administration of failing to curb illegal immigration, including along the Mexican border. With some Democrats also coming out against the aid, passing the bill was a major hurdle for Biden.

The measure was welcomed by the Ukraine, NATO, the European Union and other allies of the United States. The aid comes as Ukraine sweats heavily on the war front and faces a weapons shortage.

The US says withholding aid will give Russian President Vladimir Putin more leverage over Ukraine. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued the warning last week. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has repeatedly asked the United States that Russia is struggling to defend itself as the war enters its third year, and that aid should not be delayed. The head of the European Union, Ursula von der Leyen, said that Ukraine needs all kinds of support in the war and that the aid of the United States is a clear message to Russia. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz responded that US aid is a strong warning to the enemy.

Russia has condemned the military aid, saying it was expected earlier. China has warned that aid to Taiwan will worsen the geopolitical crisis. The US has given Israel the green light to launch further attacks on Gaza. Hamas accused him of helping. Palestinian Authority President Mehmood Abbas said Congress had voted against the Palestinian people.

“He saved the lives of thousands of Ukrainians. It is hoped that the Parliament will support the bill” – Volodymyr Zelensky (President of Ukraine)

“US aid will cost more lives in Ukraine and make the situation dire” – Dmitry Peskov-Kremlin Spokesman

“This is a reflection of the very strong bilateral relationship. And defend Western civilization” – Benjamin Netanyahu-Prime Minister of Israel

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