US President Joe Biden signs the S.3522 Act, the 2022 Ukrainian Democracy Defense Loan Lease Act, at the White House in Washington on May 9, 2022.
Kevin Lamarck | Reuters
Washington — — President Joe Biden signed a bill on Monday to streamline the long process of supplying Ukraine with the military equipment needed to fight Russia.
“I have signed a bill that provides another important tool to directly support the Ukrainian government and the Ukrainian people, and their struggle to protect their country and democracy from the brutal war of Putin.” Biden said from the Oval Office.
“The cost of fighting isn’t cheap, but cave exploration to attack is even more expensive,” Biden added.
Biden’s signature on the 2022 Ukrainian Democracy Defense Loan Lease Act will make it easier for the United States to lend or lease military aid to allies affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Biden already has the power to lend and lease equipment, but the law he signs the law will ease some of the requirements for doing so.
Under this bill, Ukraine can demand streamlined transfer of US weapons and other security assistance. The United States obtains a guarantee that the country will exchange or repay its assets at a later date.
Monday’s law evokes the “Lend-Lease Act,” in which the United States assisted allies, including the Soviet Union, during World War II.
On Friday, the Biden administration announced a new weapons package for Ukraine worth $ 150 million.
The latest military aid package, 9th security Installments of aid bring US military aid commitments to $ 3.8 billion since Moscow invaded its neighbors in late February.
The $ 150 million promised on Friday comes from the remaining $ 250 million in the president’s drawdown authority. This allows the president to transfer excess weapons from the US arsenal without Congressional approval.
Last month Biden demanded $ 33 billion From later parliament He ran out of the remaining drawdown privileges. He repeated his request on Friday.
He said Ukraine and its allies must continue to move weapons and ammunition domestically in order for Ukraine to succeed against Russia.
