The relief in Ukraine after the vote in the US House of Representatives is great: President Zelenskyj spoke of a “decision that saves our lives.” Other politicians, including Foreign Minister Baerbock, also praised the vote.
According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyj in Kiev, the billion-dollar military aid approved by the US House of Representatives is vital for Ukraine in the fight against the Russian war of aggression. “And it is a very significant package that will be felt by both our fighters on the front and our cities and villages suffering from Russian terror,” Zelensky said in his video message broadcast in Kiev on Saturday evening. “This is a decision that will save our lives.”
After months of blockade, the US House of Representatives approved a billion-dollar aid package for Ukraine. The Chamber of Parliament passed a corresponding bill on Saturday afternoon (local time), which contains around 61 billion US dollars (57 billion euros) for Kiev. The necessary approval from the Senate is still pending, but is considered certain.
As before, Zelenskyj thanked the Republican chairman of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, for his support in a message to X. He hopes that the aid package will now pass the US Senate and then land on US President Joe Biden’s desk quickly enough. The USA understood that Russian evil should not prevail in the war. “America has shown its leadership from the first days of this war. And this kind of American leadership is crucial to maintaining an international order in the world based on rules and predictability of life for all nations,” Zelensky continued in his video message . “We will certainly use American support to strengthen our two nations and bring closer a just end to this war – a war that Putin must lose.”
Baerbock: “Day of confidence”
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock spoke of a “day of confidence for Ukraine and Europe’s security.” The Green politician wrote to X: “The hearts of the most important Ukraine supporters are beating in rhythm again.” The USA and Europe stand together on the side of freedom and against Putin’s “war of terror”. Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Cameron said at “With support, Ukraine can and will win.”
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised the US vote as an investment in the security of the states in the military alliance. “Ukraine is using weapons provided by NATO allies to destroy Russian combat capabilities,” he said. “This makes us all safer, in Europe and North America.” The significant increase in aid will complement the double-digit billions of dollars “being provided to Ukraine by European allies.”
Baltic states welcome US decision
The Baltic states welcomed the decision of the US House of Representatives. “Great day for the free world, great day for Ukraine,” wrote Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkevics on X. Estonia’s Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said: “I hope this vote encourages all allies to search their camps and do more.” Lithuania’s head of state Gitanas Nauseda emphasized: “It is a big step towards victory and all allies should continue to support Ukraine.”
Russia calls US aid to Ukraine expected and destructive
According to Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the billions in aid approved by the US House of Representatives for Kiev will “further ruin” Ukraine and lead to more deaths in the conflict. “The decision to provide aid to Ukraine was expected and predicted. It will further make the United States of America rich and further ruin Ukraine, it will lead to even more dead Ukrainians,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the Russian State According to the Tass news agency. Moscow had repeatedly accused Kiev of wanting to fight the fight with Western help until there were no Ukrainians left. Western arms aid prolonged the war, it was said.
At the same time, Peskov once again warned against confiscating Russian state assets. America will have to answer for it if it actually comes to that. Russia will respond in accordance with its own interests, said the Kremlin spokesman. The House of Representatives also voted on Saturday to seize frozen Russian assets. The details of the decision still need to be analyzed, said Peskov.
Rebecca Barth, ARD Kiev, tagesschau, April 21, 2024 5:43 a.m