The US Congress has approved a massive $40 billion aid package for Ukraine to help in their defense against Russia’s invasion as they gathered with respect to the historic NATO membership bids of Finland and Sweden.
The Senate, split in two groups, voted 86-11 in support of passing the aid package, even while some members expressed reservations over the high cost of the package.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, expressing fears about the outcome of supporting Ukraine with the package said, “Aid for Ukraine goes far beyond charity. The future of American security and core strategic interests will be shaped by the outcome of this fight,”
The support package however includes $6 billion set aside to boost Ukraine’s armored vehicle inventory and air defense system. About $9 billion is budgeted to help Ukraine ensure “continuity of government” and also humanitarian aid.
Congress had previously approved an estimated $14 billion for Ukraine in March; some weeks after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine, an action that shocked the world. A sizable chunk of the $14 billion has been expended.
The support package is coming after Russia intensified its attack in eastern and southern Ukraine, a move that pushed President Biden into calling for another round of support.
The House of Representatives was on the verge of approving the package last week before Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, stalled a quick vote in the senate. Being an ant-interventionist, Paul expressed fears over the cost and called for more clarity and accountability in the handling and disbursement of the funds.
Countering Paul, Senator Lindsey Graham, a strict Republican who had earlier suggested the assassination of the Russian president said, “When it comes to Putin, either we pay now or we pay later.”
Another $100 million was released by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to support Ukraine. Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said the funding will include 18 new howitzers and some counter-artillery radar.
