As Ukraine faces a new threat from Russia, President Joe Biden has urged Congress to approve a $60 billion defense package for the country. The package would provide Ukraine with weapons, equipment, and training to protect its sovereignty and borders.
Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday via call and assured him of the U.S. support for Ukraine’s security and stability. He also said he was confident that the House of Representatives would pass the package, which the Senate had already endorsed with support from both parties.
The package is part of a bigger $95 billion foreign aid bill, which also includes assistance for other allies and partners, such as Taiwan, Georgia, and the Baltic states. However, some Republicans in the House are still opposing the bill, citing the cost and the effect on the U.S. budget deficit.
The U.S. has worked with its NATO allies and other partners to sanction Russia and to prevent further aggression. However, Russia has not stopped increasing its military forces and capabilities near the Ukrainian border, creating the risk of a potential invasion or escalation.
According to a statement from the U.S. press secretary, Joe Biden will be meeting the president and prime minister of Poland in person at the White House in March, to “reaffirm their unwavering support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s brutal war of conquest.”
