The Senate's recent vote to approve new aid for Ukraine comes after a concerted effort by the White House over the past six months to garner support. This included engaging with House Speaker Mike Johnson, who was initially hesitant due to pressure from his party's right wing.
President Joe Biden and his team tirelessly advocated for additional aid, emphasizing the importance of supporting Ukraine in its battle against Russia. The White House conducted numerous meetings, phone calls, and briefings to underscore the critical need for assistance.
Biden directed his team to highlight the potential consequences of inaction, not just for Ukraine but also for Europe and the US, should Russian President Vladimir Putin succeed. The administration provided detailed intelligence briefings on Ukraine's battlefield situation to underscore the urgency of the situation.
Efforts to secure aid for Ukraine began with a briefing in the Situation Room shortly after Johnson assumed the speakership. National security adviser Jake Sullivan and Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young outlined the dwindling aid for Ukraine and its implications.
Despite initial challenges, the Senate ultimately passed a $95 billion foreign aid package, with a significant portion allocated to Ukraine. This marks a significant foreign policy victory for Biden, who has been actively rallying Western support for Ukraine.
The aid package also includes substantial funding for Israel, humanitarian assistance, and support for the Indo-Pacific region. Biden has expressed his intention to sign the legislation promptly.
In a recent address, Biden underscored the importance of supporting Ukraine and Israel, emphasizing the shared threat posed by entities like Hamas and Putin. He urged bipartisan cooperation in addressing these challenges.
The approval of new aid for Ukraine reflects a culmination of diplomatic efforts and strategic engagement by the White House to bolster support for a key ally in the face of external aggression.
Biden is expected to sign the aid package into law imminently, solidifying US commitment to global security and stability.
