Biden Promises Zelensky Rapid Delivery of New Aid Package

U.S. President Joe Biden had a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Biden stated that Washington will provide a new military aid package to Kyiv as soon as the Senate approves the bill passed by Congress.

Joe Biden emphasized that the U.S. is ready to provide economic assistance to Ukraine and support in the restoration of critical infrastructure. For his part, Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to his American counterpart for 'global leadership' and thanked Congress for the bipartisan support of the legislation, noting the 'personal role of Speaker Mike Johnson.'

'After the adoption of the law, we discussed the first package of defensive assistance. I have assurances from the President that it will be rapid and powerful and will strengthen our air defense, long-range, and artillery capabilities,' Zelensky stated in a message on his Telegram channel. Additionally, according to the Ukrainian president, discussions addressed signing a bilateral security agreement and preparations for an upcoming summit in Switzerland.

Since October 2023, Congress has struggled to reach an agreement on the Ukraine aid bill due to the position of Republicans controlling the House of Representatives. On April 20, the lower chamber of Congress approved allocating $61 billion to assist Ukraine as part of a comprehensive bill. It is set to be discussed by the Senate on April 23. If passed by legislators, Joe Biden will sign the document.

Of the $61 billion, more than $20 billion will be directed towards replenishing U.S. resources, $14 billion for purchasing weapons, and $9 billion for providing loans. As reported by the Pentagon, the U.S. will be able to transfer munitions to Ukraine within days after President Biden signs the military assistance law.