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Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat
World
Asharq Al-Awsat

US Senate Overwhelmingly Approves $40 Billion in Ukraine Aid

Ukrainian servicemen sit atop an armored fighting vehicle, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, at an unknown location in Eastern Ukraine, in this handout picture released April 19, 2022. Press service of the Ukrainian Ground Forces/Handout via REUTERS

The US Senate overwhelmingly approved nearly $40 billion in new aid for Ukraine on Thursday sending the bill to the White House for President Joe Biden to sign into law.

The Senate voted 86-11 in favor of the emergency package of military, economic and humanitarian assistance, by far the largest US aid package for Ukraine to date. All 11 no votes were from Republicans.

Washington is racing to keep military assistance flowing nearly three months after Russia's invasion.

The strong bipartisan support underscored the desire from lawmakers - most Republicans as well as Biden's fellow Democrats - to support Ukraine's war effort, without sending US troops.

"This is a large package, and it will meet the large needs of the Ukrainian people as they fight for their survival," Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, urging support for the emergency supplemental spending bill before the vote.

“Help is on the way, really significant help. Help that could make sure that the Ukrainians are victorious,” he added.

Biden said the spending bill's passage ensured there will be no lapse in US funding for Ukraine.

"I applaud the Congress for sending a clear bipartisan message to the world that the people of the United States stand together with the brave people of Ukraine as they defend their democracy and freedom," Biden said in a statement.

The Senate approval came as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he has authorized $100 million in additional US arms, equipment, and supplies for Ukraine for its defense against Russia's invasion.

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