The U.S. House of Representatives approved a $61 billion U.S. foreign aid package for Ukraine, including defence aid, humanitarian aid, and cash. The aid package could be the pivotal support Kyiv needs to slow down Russia’s advance. Ukraine has been awaiting this package for six long and difficult months, and now that it has been approved, Kyiv can potentially create a turning point in the ongoing conflict.
The six-month delay had major repercussions for Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, and the lack of help from the U.S. was seen as a way for them to “phase out” of the European theater of war according to Mykhailo Minakov of Kennan Institute. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “After more than six months of hard work and many twists and turns in the road, America sends a message to the entire world: we will not turn our back on you.” The aid package was signed after months of tense negotiations and personal lobbying from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. President Zelensky thanked the U.S. House for passing the aid saying, “[The package] is a solution to saving lives.” President Biden said the package is “going to make America safer. It’s going to make the world safer. And it continues America’s leadership in the world.”
The United States is an essential ally of Ukraine, providing the necessary weaponry for Ukraine’s safety. President Zelensky said the aid is a very significant package and soldiers will feel its effects on the front line, as well as towns and villages suffering from Russian terror. However, the package is a temporary solution for Russia’s ongoing aggression addressing only an immediate need. Ukraine needs permanent and reliable aid from its allies to effectively address its needs. This uncertain approach to aid provision leaves Ukraine susceptible to Russian attacks and undermines systematic efforts previously put in place.
Russia and Ukraine share a long history of conflict including Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in 2022 which is the reason for Ukraine’s need for allied support in the present day. Since the beginning of the invasion, Russia has occupied various villages and towns in Ukraine. During the six-month delay, Russia was able to take advantage of Ukraine’s compromised air defence system which resulted in devastating consequences. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) reported that March 2024 witnessed a significant rise in civilian casualties, with at least 604 individuals killed or injured, a 20 percent increase compared to February 2024. Moreover, the March increase in civilian casualties was primarily attributed to missile attacks carried out by the Russian armed forces.
It is imperative that a better plan is put into place that accounts for consistent aid delivery so Ukraine can avoid crucial situations. Although the aid package will be helpful, the approval only went through after seeing how dire it was for Ukraine. Countless lives could have been saved if the package was sent earlier. In addition to a long-term funding plan, Ukraine requires air defence capable of intercepting Russia’s hypersonic missiles in order to counteract Russian attacks and ensure the safety of civilians nationwide.
