European leaders have welcomed the recent approval by the United States House of Representatives of a $60.84 billion aid package for Ukraine, marking a crucial step in bolstering support for the embattled nation. However, some caution that Europe must urgently increase its assistance to Ukraine in light of ongoing tensions.
It has been over two months since the Senate passed a similar foreign aid package, with both Democrat and Republican lawmakers, alongside President Joe Biden, urging House Speaker Mike Johnson to bring the legislation to a vote.
Approximately 101 Republican House members voted in favor of the aid package, while 112 opposed it, with one member abstaining. Meanwhile, among Democrats, 210 House members voted in favor, with none opposing the legislation.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed gratitude, stating, ‘@SpeakerJohnson, thank you. Better late than never. And hopefully, not too late for Ukraine.’
The approval of the US aid package comes at a critical time for Ukraine, as it grapples with an increasingly dire situation on the front lines, where Russia has recently made significant gains. Delays in US defense assistance to Ukraine have previously contributed to the loss of key territory, such as the strategic town of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region.
“I welcome the US House of Representatives’ approval of a new large aid package for Ukraine,” said NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in a post on Twitter. “Ukraine is using weapons provided by NATO allies to deter Russian military capabilities. This makes us all safer, in Europe and North America.”
The Senate will begin considering the aid package approved by the House on April 23 before sending it to President Biden for signature. Biden has already indicated that he will sign the bills once Congress approves them.
“The decisive and righteous decision by the US House of Representatives to provide urgent military assistance to Ukraine,” said Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. “The best way to secure ourselves is to ensure that we help Ukraine win its fight for freedom. I hope this vote encourages all allies to look into their arsenals and do more.”
Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström echoed this sentiment, adding that European leaders must remember “that the EU now needs to increase our production of arms, ammunition, and supplies to assist Ukraine on a long-term basis.”
“Tonight’s vote underscores the urgency of this,” Billström added. “We must also do our homework.”
This approval represents a significant show of solidarity with Ukraine and underscores the importance of transatlantic cooperation in addressing global security challenges. As tensions continue to escalate, international support remains vital in ensuring Ukraine’s security and sovereignty.”
