US politicians approve crucial £49billion military aid package for Ukraine after months of delays
The bill is now expected to clear the Senate, which is not outright Republican-dominated like the lower house
US politicians tonight approved a crucial £49billion military aid package for Ukraine.
After months of delays, the House of Representatives agreed to the funds which will help Kyiv’s forces fight Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said: “I am grateful to the United States House of Representatives, both parties, and personally Speaker Mike Johnson for the decision that keeps history on the right track.
“Democracy and freedom will always have global significance and will never fail as long as America helps to protect it.
“This vital aid bill will save thousands and thousands of lives, and help both our nations become stronger.”
Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron also welcomed the measures, writing: “US House support for $60bn funding for Ukraine is a vital step forward.
“If Putin ever doubted the West’s resolve to back Ukraine, this shows our collective will is undimmed. With support, Ukraine can and will win.”
The package is expected to clear the Senate, where Democrats are stronger, and then finally made law by President Joe Biden.
Another £21.3billion will go to Israel, and £6.5billion to deter China from aggression to Taiwan.
The package includes sanctions on Iran, and a threat to ban TikTok if its Chinese owner does not sell the app.
General Christopher Cavoli, the most senior US military officer in Europe, previously warned congress that Ukraine could lose the two-year war without further American military support.