war in Ukraine
White House: Putin “one of the greatest unifiers of NATO”
Jen Psaki, spokeswoman for US President Biden, during a press briefing at the White House. Photo: Carolyn Kaster/AP/dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
“A united Europe, a united West, a united NATO”: The US government emphasizes the merger against Putin’s war in Ukraine. President Biden is asking Congress for a billion-dollar package.
According to the US government, the Russian attack on Ukraine has led to a closing of ranks within NATO and other western allies.
White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki called Russian President Vladimir Putin “one of the greatest unifiers of NATO in modern history.” She added at a press conference: “What you see here is a united Europe, a united West, a united NATO standing up against the aggression and invasion led by President Putin.”
Of course, one would prefer Moscow to take de-escalating steps. However, the demonstrative unity of this coalition sends a clear message to Putin that his actions and his rhetoric are unacceptable.
Psaki said US President Joe Biden “has led efforts around the world to build this coalition, which includes many countries in Europe but also from other parts of the world, to stand up to President Putin and oppose the aggression and to resist the invasion of Ukraine. All these coordinated measures did not come about by chance.” Biden will not only lead this coalition, but will also urge a coordinated effort to hold Russia accountable.
Proposal to US Congress for billion-euro package
Biden has requested a $6.4 billion aid package from Congress to help Ukraine. This should include humanitarian aid, economic aid and military aid for Ukraine’s self-defense, said the majority leader of Biden’s US Senate Democrats, Chuck Schumer.
In the coming weeks, the Senate will put together “a solid aid package for Ukraine” on a cross-party basis and in coordination with the Biden government. The aim is to adopt the support with the next budget law by March 11th.
The planned billion-euro package is independent of the US government’s recent emergency military aid for Ukraine with a volume of 350 million dollars. Biden had already ordered their payment on Saturday night. With this tranche, US military aid to Ukraine has totaled more than $1 billion since last year, according to official figures.