Biden names date for signing bill on aid to Ukraine and transfer of weapons

Joe Biden, President of the US (photo: Getty Images)

President Joe Biden promises to sign the Senate-approved bill providing aid to Ukraine as soon as it lands on his desk tomorrow (local Washington time, which means today – Kyiv time), according to the White House.

The US leader noted that after this, it may be possible to begin transferring weapons to Ukraine as early as this week.

“I will sign this bill into law and address the American people as soon as it reaches my desk tomorrow so we can begin sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week,” the US leader said.

According to him, a bipartisan majority in the Senate in today’s vote joined the House of Representatives in answering the call of history at this critical moment of inflection.

“Congress has passed my legislation to strengthen our national security and send a message to the world about the power of American leadership: we stand resolutely for democracy and freedom, and against tyranny and oppression,” Biden was quoted as saying by the White House.

Regarding the provision of defense assistance to Ukraine, the American president emphasized that the need is urgent.

“This critical legislation will make our nation and world more secure as we support our friends who are defending themselves against terrorists like Hamas and tyrants like Putin,” Biden added.

Unlocking aid to Ukraine from the US

The issue of providing aid to Ukraine from the US has been delayed for several months due to the blocking of the bill by Republicans. In particular, House Speaker Mike Johnson had long refrained from bringing this document to a vote. However, last week the House of Representatives finally passed the bill to fund aid for Ukraine.

Following this, on April 24 in Kyiv (April 23 in local Washington time), the bill on aid was approved by the US Congress Senate. Now the document will be sent to President Biden for signature.

It should be added that earlier, the Pentagon stated that after Congress’s approval, the US would be able to deliver a new package of military aid to Ukraine within a few days.