The House of Representatives, led by Johnson, on Saturday approved a crucial legislative package providing more than USD 60 billion in military aid to Ukraine, news agencies reported.
The package now goes to the US Senate for expected approval this week. It will then be sent to President Joe Biden for signature.
'Crucial decision which will help stop Russian aggression': Polish president
Polish President Andrzej Duda took to the X social media platform on Saturday to say was "grateful to Speaker Johnson."
Duda added: "The approval of the aid package for Ukraine by the US House of Representatives is a crucial decision which will help stop the Russian aggression. It’s a clear confirmation of US leadership among all the countries of the free world."
'Better late than too late': Polish PM
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X: "Speaker Johnson, thank you. Better late than too late. And I hope it is not too late for Ukraine."
Ukraine's Zelensky says US aid will save lives, 'bring just end' to war
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude on Saturday for the passage of the aid bill for his country, saying the assistance would save lives and "bring a just end" to the war with Russia.
"I am grateful to the United States House of Representatives, both parties, and personally Speaker Mike Johnson for the decision that keeps history on the right track," Zelensky wrote on X.
He added: "Democracy and freedom will always have global significance and will never fail as long as America helps to protect it. The vital U.S. aid bill passed today by the House will keep the war from expanding, save thousands and thousands of lives, and help both of our nations to become stronger. Just peace and security can only be attained through strength. We hope that bills will be supported in the Senate and sent to President Biden’s desk. Thank you, America!"
The Ukrainian president said in his nightly video address on Saturday that his country "received the awaited decision on the US aid package that we long fought for."
He added: "Our warriors on the front lines, as well as our cities and villages suffering from Russian terror, will feel it."
Zelensky also said he was "hopeful that the bill will be quite quickly passed by the United States Senate and sent to President Biden."
He declared: "We will undoubtedly use American assistance to strengthen both of our nations and bring a just end to this war closer, the war that Putin must lose ... We appreciate every sign of support for our country and its independence, people, and way of life, which Russia is attempting to bury under the rubble. America has demonstrated its leadership since the first days of this war. Exactly this type of leadership is required to maintain a rules-based international order and predictability for all nations."
The bills making up the legislative package provide USD 60.84 billion to Ukraine, including USD 23 billion to replenish US weapons, stocks and facilities, the Reuters news agency reported.
The US Senate, which passed a similar measure two months ago, is expected to approve the bills this week and pass them on to President Joe Biden for signing, according to Reuters.
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, starting the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II.
Monday is day 783 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
(gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters