Opposition US Republicans initially blocked a billion-dollar aid package for Israel and Ukraine. They refused to support yesterday (local time) the package with a total volume of 106 billion dollars (around 98 billion euros) in a vote in the Senate in Washington. The backdrop is the dispute over immigration policy and the security of the US southern border with Mexico.
Biden ready for “big commitments”.
US President Joe Biden signaled a willingness to compromise before the vote in Congress. Biden said he was ready to make “major compromises” on immigration policy so Congress could release funding for Ukraine.
The release of financial resources to support Ukraine “cannot wait any longer”; failure would be the “greatest gift” for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
From Israel to Taiwan
Biden asked Congress in October for a $106 billion financial package. It contains, among other things, $61.4 billion for Ukraine, $14.3 billion for Israel in the war against the Palestinian radical Islamic organization Hamas, aid for other allies like Taiwan and funds to secure the border with Mexico.
The US is Ukraine’s main supporter. Since the start of the Russian war of aggression in February 2022, they have delivered or promised more than $44 billion in military aid to Kiev.