The U.S. House of Representatives’ approval of the long-awaited Ukraine Aid package was the culmination of another multi-layered effort by Western countries to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
Reactions ranged from jubilation to condemnation over the past few days regarding military aid to Ukraine from the EU, G7 countries, and the United States. Let us recap the main events and statements from the last few days:
April 18
The likelihood that the U.S. Congress would approve the aid package for Ukraine became evident from the statement made by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. On April 18, at a meeting of G7 foreign ministers on the Italian island of Capri, Stoltenberg stated that NATO allies had increased their support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. This included providing Patriot air defense systems, large quantities of artillery shells, missiles, drones, and a number of other supplies.
“Ninety-nine percent of Ukraine’s military support comes from NATO countries, and it is vital that NATO countries maintain and increase their support,” the Secretary General said.
He further noted, “There are now encouraging signals from the U.S. Congress that a vote on a package for Ukraine will take place in the coming days.”
April 19
➤ On this day, a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council was held at the level of defense ministers and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The main topic of the meeting was a discussion of Ukraine’s acute need for air defense and other military assistance.
After the meeting, Stoltenberg said that the allies had agreed to provide additional military support, including strengthening air defense.
He said, however, that he expected U.S. congressmen to pass a bill to help Ukraine “without further delay” and urged the allies to “take a deep look at their stockpiles and accelerate the delivery of missiles, artillery and ammunition.”
“Ukraine is using the weapons we provide to destroy Russia’s combat capabilities. That makes us all safer. So supporting Ukraine is not charity. It is an investment in our security,” Stoltenberg emphasized.
➤ On the same day, a statement following the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting reported that the G7 countries promise Ukraine increased assistance “in the area of air defense to save lives and protect critical infrastructure.”
➤ Anthony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, participated in the two-day G7 meeting. He held separate talks with the head of the Ukrainian diplomacy, Dmitry Kuleba. Judging by the statements of the meeting participants, they discussed the rapid delivery of U.S. aid to Ukraine after the U.S. lawmakers passed the long-awaited aid package.
In a comment to NEWSROOM IN, Kuleba said that the time has come for G7 countries to make extraordinary decisions to support Ukraine.
April 20
☛ The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill to provide nearly $61 billion in aid to Ukraine after months of contentious discussions. The vote was decisively in favor, with 311 congressmen voting for it and 112 against.
☛ According to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Republican Mike Johnson, 80% of this amount will be utilized to replenish the United States’ own military stockpiles, which will subsequently be transferred to Ukraine. This pertains to Pentagon contracts with U.S. defense companies for the procurement of new weapons and equipment destined for Ukraine, as well as for the replacement and repair of arms previously supplied to Ukraine.
☛ The bill grants U.S. President Joe Biden the authority to enter into a loan agreement with Ukraine for economic assistance on credit. This agreement could be concluded within the next 90 days. Furthermore, the U.S. leader will have the discretion to cancel up to 50% of Ukrainian debt any time after November 15, 2024, and after January 1, 2026, the president can absolve all remaining debts.
☛ The bill provisions the supply of ATACMS tactical missiles to Ukraine for self-defense and to defeat Russia. This decision is left to the discretion of the President of the United States.
April 20 – 21.
Ukraine and all of its allies expressed gratitude to the United States for its decision and generous assistance.
Despite the fact that the bill still requires approval from the U.S. Senate (scheduled for April 23) and the signature of President Joe Biden, the Pentagon has already assembled another substantial package of military aid for Ukraine, ready for shipment. According to U.S. media sources within the Pentagon, the timeframe for the delivery of the aid will be less than a week.
A substantial portion of what Ukraine requires is already stockpiled in warehouses across Europe, particularly in Germany, awaiting final approval from the U.S. authorities. The likely delivery date is May or even June.
And what about Russia?
Representatives of the Russian top brass are sending curses to the Americans, Ukrainians, and their allies. They defiantly declare that aid means nothing and that Russia will ultimately prevail.
The Western world has not heard any exceptional, new threats from the Kremlin team. The anti-Russian coalition is following Russia’s favored saying: “The dog barks – the caravan goes on its way.”
