US approves $40 billion in aid to Ukraine

The US Senate overwhelmingly approved the $40 billion aid package for Ukraine.

With 86 votes for and 86-11 against the bill being passed, where the latter will now go to the American president, Joe Biden, who has to sign, reports Chan.

Before the vote, the majority leader in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, said the Senate “would keep the promise to stand by the people of Ukraine”.

He added that the 40 billion-dollar military, economic and humanitarian assistance is “large” and “will meet the large needs of the Ukrainian people as they struggle for their survival”, writes Bbc.

Meanwhile, State Secretary Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had earlier warned that the funds authorised to send weapons to Ukraine would end today and the bill was delayed in the Senate.

Package involves:

$6 billion for security, including training, equipment, weapons and other support;

$8.7 billion to recharge American military equipment stocks sent to Ukraine;

$3.9 billion for European Command operations;

$9 billion for an economic support fund for Ukraine;

$5 billion to deal with global food insecurity.