In a procedural vote, the US Senate supported a bill on $40 billion worth of aid for Ukraine. The law is expected to be adopted in full this week. Also, the EU Committee of Ministers approved the allocation of the fourth tranche of aid for Ukraine in the amount of €500 mln to procure military equipment and realize the country’s right to self-defense at a session in Brussels.
According to Reuters, the Senate overwhelmingly pre-approved providing $40 mln worth of aid for Ukraine demonstrating strong bipartisan support for the country. 81 senators voted yes, and 11 were against the decision. The Senate is expected to adopt the law as soon as Wednesday. And if no amendments are introduced, Joe Biden, the President of the US, will sign it afterward.
Previously, Rand Paul, a Republican senator, blocked the vote and demanded including a provision on assigning a special federal supervisory body to control the use of the funds. If the amendment is introduced, the bill is to be voted on again in the House of Representatives. In this case, the law cannot be practically approved next week.
Meanwhile, the EU Committee of Ministers approved the allocation of the fourth tranche of aid to Ukraine, €500 mln to buy military equipment and realize the country’s right to self-defense, Ukrinform reports.
"What started with €500 million, now reaches €2 billion. And this is just the point of the iceberg, because apart from this €2 billion, the Member States do a lot from their side without asking for refunding", said EU High Representative Josep Borrell.
