US Senate passes USD 61 billion Ukraine aid package, Biden vows swift arms delivery

NEW DELHI: The US Senate on Tuesday approved a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine, accompanied by President Joe Biden's commitment to promptly deliver new arms supplies to the conflict zone, amid Russia's advances on the battlefield.
Following the House of Representatives' earlier clearance of the measure, which constitutes a portion of a substantial $95 billion assistance package to allies such as Israel and Taiwan, the Senate echoed its approval with broad bipartisan backing.
"I will sign this bill into law and address the American people as soon as it reaches my desk tomorrow so we can begin sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week," said Biden, who added that the bill's passage proved America stands "resolutely for democracy and freedom, and against tyranny and oppression."
The package comes after months of delays on Capitol Hill, where some House Republicans have also questioned funding Ukraine against Russian forces, The Hill reported.
Moreover, the delay has led to Russia pushing hard against a struggling Ukrainian military on the battlefield.
After US passed the long-delayed Ukraine aid package, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Senate and said, "I thank Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell for their strong leadership in advancing this bipartisan legislation, as well as all US Senators on both sides of the aisle who voted in favor of it."
"I equally appreciate President Biden's support and look forward to the bill being signed soon and the next military aid package matching the resoluteness that I always see in our negotiations," Zelenskyy added.
He further stated that the Ukraine's long-range capabilities, artillery, and air defence are critical tools for restoring just peace "sooner."
(With inputs from agencies)