Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have expressed gratitude to US lawmakers following the passage of new aid packages for their countries worth billions of dollars.
"Thank you, America!" Zelensky posted on his Telegram account on Saturday, shortly after the House of Representatives approved the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act by a vote of 311-112.
The bill, part of a broader $95 billion package providing foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region, allocates nearly $61 billion to assist Ukraine and neighboring nations in countering Russian aggression. Additionally, the House passed funding amounting to $26.4 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion to address China's actions in the Indo-Pacific.
Zelensky hailed the decision as a step towards maintaining global democracy and freedom, emphasizing the significance of US support in safeguarding these values. He asserted that the aid bill would help prevent the escalation of the conflict, save countless lives, and bolster the strength of both nations.
Meanwhile, the House also approved the Israel Security Supplemental with a vote of 366-58.
Expressing appreciation, Netanyahu echoed Zelensky's sentiments, characterizing the bipartisan support for Israel as a defense of Western civilization.
However, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesperson for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, condemned the aid package for Israel, denouncing it as a dangerous escalation that would result in further casualties in Israel's conflict with Hamas.
The Senate is now tasked with approving the measures, with voting expected to commence as early as Tuesday.
US President Joe Biden hailed the House passage of the foreign aid bills as a demonstration of America's leadership and urged the Senate to swiftly pass the package for his signature into law.
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