U.S. Senate Approves $40B Aid Package for Ukraine

The Lend-Lease Act was passed twice in history: the first time, it was signed on 11 March 1941, during World War II, and the second time, during the Russian-Ukrainian war on 9 May 2022.

This time, the bill was supported by 86 senators, while 11 voted against it. President Joe Biden must now sign the document. According to the White House, he will do this shortly as the United States continues to provide military assistance to Ukraine.

“By passing this aid package, the Senate can now say to the Ukrainian people help is on the way: real help, significant help. We Americans, all of us Democrats and Republicans, cannot afford to stick our heads in the sand while Vladimir Putin continues his vicious belligerence against the Ukrainian people,” said New York Senator Chuck Schumer.

It should be noted that the aid package also includes $8.8 billion for the special fund of the Government of Ukraine; $4.4 billion is allocated for international disaster assistance. $900 million is disbursed to help Ukrainian refugees.

Background: Lend-lease is a policy under which the United States supplies its allies with ammunition, equipment, food, and strategic raw materials, including petroleum products and materials. In addition, this assistance includes warships and military aircraft, as well as other weapons.

Natalia Tolub