Vice President Kamala Harris's reassurances to Ukraine and European leaders about continued U.S. support are complicated by House Republicans blocking $60 billion in security aid, creating uncertainty about America's commitment amid fears of a potential return to office of former President Donald J. Trump, who is seen as no friend of Ukraine or NATO. The political instability has destabilized the multinational coalition backing Ukraine, raising concerns about the preservation of American support as the country faces ongoing challenges.
President Biden denounced former President Trump's comments encouraging Russia to attack some NATO allies as "dumb," "shameful," "dangerous," and "un-American," urging House Republicans to pass a $95 billion security aid package for Ukraine and Israel. The Senate had approved the package earlier, with 22 Republicans joining Democrats in support. Biden's remarks came in response to Trump's recent campaign speech where he suggested not coming to the defense of NATO allies and encouraging Russia to act as it pleases.
President Biden has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a meeting at the White House to discuss Ukraine's urgent needs and the importance of continued US support amid Russia's missile and drone strikes. This comes after Senate Republicans blocked additional security aid to Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific, pressing for tougher measures at the US-Mexico border. The US has already spent over $44 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia's invasion in 2022.
President Biden spoke with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine to reaffirm unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine's ongoing counter-offensive against Russian aggression, including continued security, economic, and humanitarian aid. They also discussed recent events in Russia.
The US Department of Defense has announced a $2.6 billion security aid package for Ukraine, including additional ammunition for Kyiv's High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). The package also includes ammunition for Patriot air defense systems, additional artillery rounds, vehicles to transport heavy equipment, and maintenance support. The Biden administration has provided Ukraine with over $35.1 billion in aid since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war. The HIMARS have played a key role in Ukraine's defense against Russia's invasion, and the US has promised to provide Kyiv with 38 HIMARS.
US Vice President Kamala Harris announced $100 million in security aid to Ghana and four other West African countries to help them deal with violent extremism and instability during her visit to Ghana. Harris's visit is part of the US's efforts to counter growing Chinese and Russian influence on the continent. Harris also raised the issue of LGBT rights during her tour, including in Ghana where a bill that would severely restrict those rights is going through parliament.
US Vice President Kamala Harris announced $100 million in aid to Ghana and four other West African countries to help them deal with violent extremism and instability. During her visit to Ghana, Harris also raised the issue of LGBT rights, including a bill that would severely restrict those rights going through parliament. Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo responded by saying that the bill was not official government policy and that the parliament would come out with a responsible response to the proposed legislation.
