Biden Asks Congress for $33 Billion For Wartorn Ukraine

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

WASHINGTON/KYIV (Worthy News) – As the Russian invasion continued Thursday, U.S. President Joe Biden asked Congress to approve $33 billion more in emergency aid for Ukraine.

Biden said the money was for defense, economic and humanitarian assistance. “We either back the Ukrainian people as they defend their country, or we stand by as the Russians continue their atrocities and aggression in Ukraine,” Biden said at the White House. He called his multibillion-dollar package part of a “fight for freedom.”

However, Congress already provided Ukraine this year with $13.6 billion in the military and other aid in a broader spending bill, covering the first two months of the war.

In his remarks, Biden said that money was nearly exhausted, requiring Congress to provide more to sustain Ukraine’s defenses. Despite Russia warning the West that sending more heavy weapons would destabilize the European continent.

The aid announcement came as Kyiv conceded that Russian forces had made gains in the east.
Russia can also still strike coastal targets despite Black Sea fleet losses, said British Defense sources.

Additionally, two explosions also rocked Kyiv, the capital, even as United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited the area where he expressed shock about mass graves and devastation.

NO TROOPS?

Despite the suffering, Washington has ruled out sending its own or NATO troops to Ukraine, although a well-informed U.S. security source repeatedly told Worthy News there are 10,000 U.S. forces in the country.

Washington and its European allies have acknowledged supplying weapons to Kyiv, such as drones, Howitzer heavy artillery, anti-aircraft Stinger, and anti-tank Javelin missiles.

Thursday’s funding request by Biden includes over $20 billion for weapons, ammunition, and other military assistance.

It also allocates $8.5 billion in direct economic aid to the Ukrainian government and $3 billion in humanitarian aid.

It is intended to cover the war effort’s needs through September, the end of the fiscal year. “The cost of this fight – it’s not cheap – but caving to aggression is going to be more costly,” Biden said.

He intends to cover at least part of the costs by ceasing the assets of Russian oligarchs, who have yachts, private jets, and billions hidden in banks.

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