- AP Photo/Patrick Semansky
VIVA – The United States Senate on Thursday, May 19, 2022 has approved a bill to provide Ukraine with US$40 billion or equivalent to Rp58.6 trillion worth of military and economic assistance for Ukraine as it struggles to fight a Russian invasion.
This amount is US$ 7 billion or Rp101.7 trillion more than President Joe Biden asked last April.
This funds will provide Ukraine with military and economic assistance, assist regional allies and restock weapons the Pentagon has sent overseas.
As reported by VOA on Friday, May 20, 2022, the United States House of Representatives voted in full to support the aid package. US President Joe Biden is also expected to sign the aid package soon.
The new law will also bring US support for Ukraine to nearly $54 billion, including $13.6 billion to support Congress, which took effect in March.
President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky said in his speech on Thursday that the approval of the aid package by the United States Senate is a manifestation of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to the defense of common freedoms.
In another development, United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken said the government authorized US$100 million in military aid to Ukraine.
“The aid package includes 18 howitzers, 18 transport vehicles, and three more anti-artillery radars” said John Kirby as the Pentagon spokesman.
Previously, Russia's Defense Ministry said on Thursday, that hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers had surrendered at the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol.
The International Committee of the Red Cross said in a statement on Thursday that it was registering the fighters who left Azovstal and helping the fighters to stay connected to their families.
"The ICRC doesn’t transport prisoners of war to their detention place," the organization said.
“The ICRC-facilitated registration process involves individuals filling out a form with personal details such as name, date of birth and next of kin. This information allows the ICRC to track those who have been arrested and help them stay in touch with their families," he added.
