President Biden on Saturday signed legislation to support Ukraine with another $40 billion in U.S. assistance as the Russian invasion approaches its fourth month.
The legislation, which was passed by Congress with bipartisan support, deepens the U.S. commitment to Ukraine at a time of uncertainty about the war’s future.
Ukraine has successfully defended Kyiv, and Russia has refocused its offensive on the country’s east; but American officials warn of the potential for a prolonged conflict.
The funding is intended to support Ukraine through September, and it dwarfs an earlier emergency measure that provided $13.6 billion.
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The new legislation will provide $20 billion in military assistance; ensuring a steady stream of advanced weapons that have been used to blunt Russia’s advances.
There’s also $8 billion in general economic support; $5 billion to address global food shortages; could result from the collapse of Ukrainian agriculture and more than $1 billion to help refugees.
Biden signed the measure under unusual circumstances. Because he’s in the middle of a trip to Asia, a U.S. official brought a copy of the bill on a commercial flight so the president could sign it; according to a White House official.
The logistics reflect a sense of urgency around continuing U.S. support for Ukraine; but also the overlapping international challenges facing Biden. Even as he tries to reorient American foreign policy to confront China; he’s continuing to direct resources to the largest conflict in Europe since World War II.
