New $61Bln aid to Kiev will enrich the US, devastate Ukraine: Kremlin
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Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova labeled military aid to Kiev as direct sponsorship of terrorism and warned against interference in China's domestic affairs through funding for Taiwan.
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A Ukrainian soldier from the Azov brigade known by call sign Ray, 20, prepares shells for the OTO Melara Mod 56 howitzer on the frontline in Kreminna direction, Donetsk region, Thursday, April 11, 2024 (AP Photo/Alex Babenko)
In response to Washington's recent decision to unlock $60.84 billion in military aid for Ukraine on Saturday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized the move, stating that it would enrich the United States at the expense of Ukraine's well-being, ultimately leading to further destruction and casualties.
The legislation, known as the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, was passed earlier today in the House of Representatives with a 311-112 vote, with one abstention. Among its provisions, the bill allocates $23.3 billion for replenishing defense articles and services to Ukraine, $13.8 billion for advanced weapons systems procurement, and $11.3 billion for US military operations in the region. Additionally, it includes a measure to provide long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine.
"This decision was expected and easy to predict. It will further enrich the US and ruin Ukraine, while more and more Ukrainians continue to fall victim to the regime in Kiev," Dmitry Peskov told the Life news website.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova voiced similar concerns, noting that such actions would exacerbate global crises. She labeled military aid to Kiev as direct sponsorship of terrorism and warned against interference in China's domestic affairs through funding for Taiwan.
"The approval of military aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan by the US will worsen global crises: military aid for the regime in Kiev equals direct sponsorship of terrorism, funding for Taiwan means interference in China’s domestic affairs, while funding for Israel sets the stage for an escalation of unprecedented tensions in the region," Zakharova wrote on social media.
Read more: Former Russian diplomat to Al Mayadeen: Ukraine's army to collapse
Bill sparks wave of appraisal from Western allies
The legislation, which was among a trove of other bills, sparked a wave of approval from Western allies, including EU President Ursula Von Der Leyen.
"I welcome the overwhelmingly positive vote by the US House of Representatives," Von Der Leyen wrote on X.
I welcome the overwhelming positive vote by the US House of Representatives.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 20, 2024
Ukraine deserves all the support it can get against Russia.
Now, we are asking the US Senate to vote as quickly as possible as lives are at stake.
Transatlantic allies are united in support for…
Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his gratitude to the US on social media.
"The US Congress just overwhelmingly passed a much-appreciated aid bill that demonstrates strong bipartisan support for Israel and defends Western civilization. Thank you friends, thank you America!," a post of X reads.
The US Congress just overwhelmingly passed a much appreciated aid bill that demonstrates strong bipartisan support for Israel and defends Western civilization. Thank you friends, thank you America!
— Benjamin Netanyahu - ×‘× ×™×ž×™×Ÿ × ×ª× ×™×”×• (@netanyahu) April 20, 2024
