US weapons to Ukraine, white smoke. After months of waiting, the key day arrives that can open a new phase in the war between Ukraine and Russia. The House of Representatives says yes to the Ukrainian Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, the law that provides aid to Kiev for 60.8 billion dollars.
What’s in the law
The measure, approved with 311 votes in favor and 112 against, covers in detail 14 billion which will allow Ukraine to directly purchase weapons and defense systems. the largest slice, approx 23 billion, will be used to supply United States warehouses and hangars in view of transfers of vehicles and weapons to Kiev. Over 11 billion will be used to guarantee funds for American military operations in the region, with the possibility of supporting Ukrainian military capabilities and intelligence collaboration between Kiev and Washington. Around 8 billion, however, will be used for non-military assistance: the resources, for example, will allow the Ukrainian government to continue operating and will make it possible to pay salaries and pensions.
How war can change
The favorable vote expressed by the Republican majority House is a crucial step. The Senate, with a Democratic majority, will begin voting on the law on Tuesday. The step, according to President Joe Biden, sends a “clear message” about American leadership to the world. Ukraine will soon begin receiving essential new aid from Washington, at a critical stage in the conflict with Moscow.
For months, Russia has been exerting constant pressure along the eastern front. Ukraine, in difficulty due to inferiority in terms of men and ammunition, was forced to retreat and give ground. Analysts and experts outline the scenario in which, between the end of spring and the beginning of summer, Russia could attempt a new push with a massive offensive. Moscow could attack towards Kharkhiv or seek a breakthrough south towards Odessa.
The commitment made by the United States, together with the recent announcements by NATO and the G7 Foreign Ministers, authorize us to think that Ukraine will have new fundamental resources available to counter the enemy. The Atlantic Alliance has turned the spotlight on air defense systems, Patriot and Samp-T, which would be essential to contain the daily attacks conducted by Moscow against cities and infrastructure. The arriving weapons are accompanied by the progressive inclusion of new soldiers in the Ukrainian army, which began with the approval of the law which will provide for the enlistment of tens of thousands of soldiers, particularly in the 25-26 year age group.
Zelensky: “Thank you America”
The news from Washington obviously constitutes an injection of confidence for Kiev, which has been forced into a total emergency situation for almost 6 months. “I am grateful to the US House of Representatives, to both parties and personally to President Mike Johnson for the decision that keeps history on the right track,” says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“Democracy and freedom – he adds – will always have a global meaning and will never fail as long as America helps to protect them. The vital US aid bill passed by the House will prevent the war from spreading, will save thousands and thousands of lives and will help both our nations become stronger. Just peace and security can only be achieved through strength.” “We hope – he concludes – that the bills will be supported in the Senate and sent to President Biden. Thank you, America!”.
Russia’s reaction
The reaction from Moscow was predictably opposite. Russia condemns the new American intervention and the Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, says that Washington’s aid “will further ruin Ukraine, causing the death of more Ukrainians through the fault of the Kiev regime”.
In addition to funding for Ukraine, the House also approved provisions for the reuse of Russian assets frozen in the United States and the use of money in favor of Kiev. The United States “will have to answer for it”, comments Peskov, stating that Russia will do so in the way that “best suits our interests”.
As a corollary, the reflections in the usual tones of Dmitry Medvedev, vice president of the Security Council. “We will win despite the 61 billion bloody dollars that will fatten the insatiable American military industrial complex.” “Strength and truth are on our side.”
