by D. Michael DeRidder
President Joe Biden signed the $95 billion foreign aid package passed by the Senate yesterday. Biden said the bill sends a message that America stands for “democracy and freedom” to the world, stating on X:
Today, we answered history’s call at this critical inflection point. With the signing of our national security package, we tell the world that America stands resolutely for democracy and freedom, and against tyranny and oppression.
In response to Biden signing the bill, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was thankful to Biden, Congress, and all Americans who support Ukraine, stating on X:
President Biden signed into law today the support package approved by Congress, which includes Ukraine aid. We completed this half-year path. Regardless of what anyone says, we are gaining the support we need to continue protecting lives from Russian attacks.
Over the past few days, we have already been actively working with our American friends on all levels to include the exact types of weapons that our warriors require in this package. It totals $1 billion and includes exactly what we discussed with President Biden during our call.
I am grateful to President Biden, Congress, and all Americans who recognize that we must cut the ground under Putin’s feet rather than obeying him, as this is the only way to truly reduce threats to freedom. Together, we can ensure this.
Zelensky told Americans that the military aid was vital, and said it was critical that the agreements that he and Biden reached are fully implemented, stating on X:
Today’s American military aid package for Ukraine is vital.
I thank all Americans who work in defense enterprises and every state that manufactures weapons that are now really protecting democracy and our way of life. All of the current cooperation between Ukraine and the United States, as well as every sign of support for our protection, is strengthening both of our nations. They also strengthen all of our partners and the entire world, which wants to live by the rules rather than under conditions of violence and terror.
We will make every effort to compensate for the half-year spent in debates and doubts. We must turn everything the occupier has accomplished during this time, as well as everything Putin intends to do, against him. All of his frontline actions, strikes on our energy system and infrastructure, and terror against our cities and villages must unite us all—everyone in the world who truly values life—around the need to increase pressure on Russia.
It is critical that the agreements President Biden and I reached be fully implemented. Thank you, America!