What's happened
The US House of Representatives has approved a $60.8 billion aid package for Ukraine to help defend itself from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian and Western leaders welcomed the decision, while the Kremlin warned of more deaths and devastation. Ukrainian military commanders are hopeful for quick approval from the US Senate to receive the aid promptly.
Why it matters
The approval of the aid package by the US House of Representatives is crucial for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. The decision is significant for maintaining a rules-based international order and providing predictability for all nations. The aid will have a direct impact on the lives of Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines and could potentially deter further Russian aggression.
What the papers say
Politico's Jamie Dettmer highlighted the relief in Ukraine over the aid approval, contrasting it with some skepticism from opposition lawmaker Inna Sovsun. The Independent's Samya Kullab emphasized the bipartisan support in the US Congress for the aid package and the gratitude expressed by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. The New York Times' Marc Santora provided insights into the anticipation among Ukrainians awaiting the US Congress decision and the potential consequences of a lack of American military assistance.
How we got here
The aid package comes after months of delay and debate in the US Congress over providing military support to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy had warned that without US funding, Ukraine could not win the war. The approval of the aid package signals a strong commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.
More on these topics
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.