The package, which passed in a 79-18 vote on Tuesday, allocates USD 60.84 billion to support Ukraine in its more than two-year-long battle to repel Russia's invasion, the Reuters news agency reported.
The approved support includes USD 23.2 billion to replenish US weapons, stocks and facilities and USD 13.8 billion for the purchase of advanced weapons systems, according to Reuters.
'I will sign this bill into law tomorrow': Biden
Biden said on Tuesday: "Tonight, a bipartisan majority in the Senate joined the House to answer history’s call at this critical inflection point. Congress has passed my legislation to strengthen our national security and send a message to the world about the power of American leadership: we stand resolutely for democracy and freedom, and against tyranny and oppression."
He added that he would "sign this bill into law tomorrow."
Ukraine's Zelensky hails 'historical significance of this bill'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for the passage of the aid bill for his country, saying that "Ukraine's long-range capabilities, artillery, and air defense are critical tools for restoring just peace sooner."
"I am grateful to the United States Senate for approving vital aid to Ukraine today. I thank Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell for their strong leadership in advancing this bipartisan legislation, as well as all US Senators on both sides of the aisle who voted in favor of it," Zelensky wrote on the X social media platform.
He added: "This vote reinforces America’s role as a beacon of democracy and the leader of the free world. I am also grateful to all Americans who continue to support Ukraine and recognize that the historical significance of this bill extends beyond politics. I equally appreciate President Biden's support and look forward to the bill being signed soon and the next military aid package matching the resoluteness that I always see in our negotiations. Ukraine's long-range capabilities, artillery, and air defense are critical tools for restoring just peace sooner."
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, starting the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II.
Wednesday is day 791 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
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Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters