Biden changes course, calls on Congress to accept independent aid to Ukraine without Covid funds
US President Joe Biden pauses as he speaks at the White House Rose Garden in Washington, DC, on Monday, May 9, 2022.
Samuel Corum Bloomberg | Getty Images
President Joe Biden has publicly changed course in his bid to adopt a $ 33 billion emergency funding package for Ukraine through Congress.
“I have previously recommended to Congress to take overdue action on much-needed funding for COVID treatment, vaccines and tests, as part of the additional bill for Ukraine,” Biden said in a statement.
Recently, however, Biden said he had been informed that Republicans in Congress were not ready to vote to pass the Covid bill soon.
Given the reality of the situation, linking the two funding requests – as he had originally suggested – would in practice mean delaying the desperately needed money for Ukraine to give Congress time to discuss Covid’s funding.
“We cannot afford to delay this vital military effort,” Biden said. “I am therefore ready to take these two measures separately, so that the bill on Ukrainian aid can reach my bureau immediately.”
The change in Biden’s strategy was also accepted by the leaders of the Democrats in the Congress, who stated that they are ready to move quickly to an independent bill for Ukraine. It is expected to be relatively easy to cross with the support of both parties.
“Christina Wilkie.”
Biden has about $ 100 million in military aid to Ukraine until Congress approves new funding, says Pentagon
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby held a news briefing at the Pentagon on May 2, 2022 in Arlington, Virginia. Kirby announced the return of public tours of the Pentagon, as well as an update on the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Kevin Ditch Getty Images
The Biden administration has about $ 100 million in military aid left to distribute to Ukraine before it needs Congress to approve more funding, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.
He mentioned the so-called presidential withdrawal power, which allows President Joe Biden to transfer surplus weapons from US arsenals without congressional approval.
“We think again, this is an assessment, but by the third week of the month we expect to use all this,” he added.
Last week, the Biden administration announced a new $ 150 million arms package for Ukraine. The latest package of military aid, the ninth installment of security aid, brings the US commitment to military aid to $ 3.8 billion since Moscow invaded its neighboring country in late February.
Last month, Biden demanded $ 33 billion from Congress after exhausting his remaining withdrawal powers. He said that in order for Ukraine to succeed against Russia, the United States and its allies must continue to supply weapons and ammunition to the country.
“Amanda Macias.”
A study of Ukrainian servicemen destroyed Russian equipment outside Kharkov
EDITOR’S NOTE: Some images depict death.
A study of Ukrainian servicemen destroyed Russian equipment on the outskirts of Kharkov.
Ukrainian soldiers in a downed Russian helicopter on the outskirts of Kharkov, Ukraine, May 8, 2022
Diego Herrera Carcedo Anatolian Agency Getty Images
KHARKIV, UKRAINE – MAY 8: Ukrainian soldiers in a downed Russian helicopter on the outskirts of Kharkov, Ukraine, May 8, 2022 (Photo by Diego Herrera Carcedo / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Diego Herrera Carcedo Anatolian Agency Getty Images
Ukrainian soldiers to a destroyed Russian tank on the outskirts of Kharkov, Ukraine, May 8, 2022
Diego Herrera Carcedo Anatolian Agency Getty Images
Ukrainian soldiers gather evidence of battles around Kharkiv, Ukraine, May 8, 2022.
Diego Herrera Carcedo Anatolian Agency Getty Images
A Ukrainian soldier stands next to a destroyed Russian military car on the outskirts of Kharkiv, Ukraine, May 8, 2022.
Diego Herrera Carcedo Anatolian Agency Getty Images
HARKIV, UKRAINE – MAY 8: Two men cross a ruined bridge on the outskirts of Kharkiv, Ukraine, May 8, 2022 (Photo by Diego Herrera Carcedo / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Diego Herrera Carcedo Anatolian Agency Getty Images
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Image depicts death) Bodies of Russian soldiers on the outskirts of Kharkov, Ukraine, May 8, 2022 (Photo by Diego Herrera Carcedo / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Diego Herrera Carcedo Anatolian Agency Getty Images
– Diego Herrera Carcedo Anatolian Agency Getty Images
The Prime Minister of Ukraine and the President of the European Council are holding part of their meetings in the air asylum
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmihal said his meeting with European Council President Charles Michel in Odessa was interrupted by air raid sirens warning of a Russian missile attack near the city.
In response to the sirens, the two dignitaries moved their official event to a dimly lit underground bomb shelter and continued their conversation. Schmihal posted his photo in the bunker with Michelle on Twitter.
Images like this have helped Ukrainian leaders create a powerful account of a government whose employees find bold and creative ways to operate in a war zone, even though they are in near constant danger.
— Christina Wilkie
Biden has signed a bill aimed at streamlining US military aid to Ukraine
US President Joe Biden signs an executive ban on trade and investment between Americans and the two breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine recognized as independent of Russia at the White House in Washington, DC, USA, February 21, 2022.
The White House Reuters
President Joe Biden has signed a bill that will streamline the long process of supplying Ukraine with the military equipment needed to fight Russia.
Biden’s signature under Ukraine’s 2022 Land Democracy Democracy Leasing Act will make it easier for the United States to grant or lease military aid to allies affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Biden already has the right to lease or lease equipment, but the legislation he will sign will ease some of the requirements.
Under the measure, Ukraine may request a simplified transfer of American weapons and other security assistance. The United States will receive assurances that the country will replace or restore assets at a later date.
“Amanda Macias.”
Global sanctions affect Russia’s ability to supply troops, says US defense official
Pro-Russian troops load ammunition into an armored personnel carrier during the fighting in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia in the southern port city of Mariupol, Ukraine, April 12, 2022.
Alexander Ermochenko Reuters
Western sanctions have damaged Russia’s ability to supply its forces with weapons and equipment in its fight against Ukraine, a senior US defense official said.
“He’s definitely starting to bite into his industrial defense capability,” said the official, who wished to remain anonymous to share updates on the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The official said that the Russian forces “have blown out a lot of their precision ammunition”.
“We believe that sanctions and export controls, especially with regard to electronic components, have had an effect on Russia’s defense industrial base and their ability to supply precision ammunition,” the official added.
In the weeks since Russia’s February 24 invasion of the former Soviet neighbor, Washington and its allies imposed rounds of coordinated sanctions that have overtaken Russia alongside Iran and North Korea as the world’s most sanctioned country.
“Amanda Macias.”
Elon Musk collides with Russian space head over SpaceX, providing Starlink dishes for Ukraine
Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX and CEO of Tesla, spoke on screen during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, June 29, 2021.
Nacho Doche Reuters
Elon Musk argued with the leader of Russia’s state space agency Roscosmos on Twitter on Sunday, as SpaceX CEO responded to accusations by Dmitry Rogozin that the company was supplying Starlink satellite communications equipment to “fascist forces in Ukraine.”
“The word ‘Nazi’ does not mean what he thinks it means,” Musk said on Twitter, with a screenshot of Rogozin’s statement.
Rogozin said Musk “will be held accountable as an adult” for delivering Starlink dishes to Ukraine.
A few minutes after his initial response, Musk tweeted again.
“If I died under mysterious circumstances, it was good to know you,” he said.
Rogozin often makes unusual public threats that have not materialized, such as his repeated statements that Russia will withdraw from its partnership with the International Space Station. But he followed others, such as when Roscosmos held satellites hostage to Britain’s OneWeb, which has since forced OneWeb to partner with SpaceX and others to reach orbit.
“Michael Sheitz.”
The United States will abolish 25% tariffs on Ukrainian steel in one year
Workflow at the Zaporizhstal Steel Plant, owned and operated by Metinvest, the largest private company in Ukraine, Zaporizhia, Ukraine, on August 2, 2019.
Alexander Rupeta Nurfoto | Getty Images
The United States will suspend Trump-era tariffs on Ukrainian steel for a year, Trade Minister Gina Raimondo said. Through this move, the United States seeks to support one of Ukraine’s key domestic industries while defending the country from Russian invasion.
“We cannot simply admire the strength of spirit and spirit of the Ukrainian people – we must protect them and support one of the most important industries for Ukraine’s economic prosperity,” Raimondo said in a statement announcing the suspension.
Before the war, Ukraine’s steel industry employed 1 in 13 Ukrainians. But it is unclear how much of this industry is still operating and how much of the steel plants that are still being produced are being exported as Ukraine competes to produce weapons for its armed forces.
In peacetime, base metals such as steel are by far the largest export product from Ukraine to the United States. In 2019, Ukraine exported a base worth about 780 million dollars …
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