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The Biden administration introduced Tuesday it was sending as much as $300 million in arms to Ukraine, the primary new help package deal for the nation since funding ran out on the finish of December.
Senior protection officers mentioned the package deal contains air protection interceptors, artillery rounds and armor programs, which was assembled by military accountants from financial savings from contracts that got here up for bid. It was not clear whether or not the measure included long-range missiles generally known as ATACM.
Officers mentioned it’s a stopgap measure, however Ukraine is particularly in determined want of air protection programs as Russia continues to bomb cities, particularly within the east.
The momentary resolution would solely cease Russian troops from advancing for just a few weeks, one official mentioned.
The Senate handed an emergency help invoice together with $60.1 billion for Ukraine. However the measure faces an unsure destiny within the Home of Representatives, the place Republican leaders have refused to place the measure up for a vote. Whereas congressional officers say there may be overwhelming help for persevering with to arm Ukraine within the battle towards Russian aggression, the Republican Get together is more and more abandoning its conventional hawkish stance and perception in projecting American energy and democratic rules world wide. Getting away from.
Home Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana who has opposed help to Ukraine, ought to take note of a handful of ultraconservative lawmakers who’ve mentioned he’ll vote if he permits a vote on Ukraine help with out more durable immigration measures. They are going to take steps to oust them.
For President Biden, who has referred to as on the West to face up for Ukraine towards Russia's aggression and occupation, the difficulty has turn into a humiliation on the worldwide stage.
U.S. political paralysis has led to Ukraine's battlefield shortages, Pentagon officers mentioned. As every day passes with out recent provides of munitions and artillery, and Ukrainian troops stability the shells they’ve, morale is deteriorating.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Biden administration has despatched greater than $75 billion in money and gear to the nation for its protection. Most help has gone to Ukraine's navy operations, operating its authorities, and assembly its humanitarian wants.
The cash ran out in December, and Mr. Biden requested Congress for the authority to provoke a brand new infusion of money and gear, which solely Congress can approve. However many Republicans object to pouring extra taxpayer {dollars} into the battle.