The Ukraine aid bill passed in the Senate is well suited to Kyiv's defense needs and the interests of US national security. This is how John Kirby, Director of Strategic Communications at the US National Security Council, responded to a proposal by House Speaker Mike Johnson to provide Ukraine with a loan instead of aid. This was reported by UNN with reference to the Voice of America.
We believe that the bill that was passed in the Senate is very much in line with our strong desire to continue to support Ukraine. It meets Ukraine's defense needs well, as well as Israel's defense needs and our other national security concerns around the world. So we continue to urge Speaker Johnson to bring this bill to the floor, vote on it, and move forward. We know that there is strong support for it in both parties, if given the opportunity to vote
According to him, the bill provides for the allocation of $60 billion to Ukraine.
The Pentagon added that it would be very difficult for Ukraine to repay the loan during the war. In addition, an alternative bill would have to be coordinated with a number of agencies.
"I know that negotiations are ongoing in Congress. I will not get ahead of myself. For now, we need additional funding. I think it will be very difficult for a country like Ukraine, which is going through a war, to repay these loans. And this is something that needs to be worked out not only with the Ministry of Defense, but also with the State Department and the White House," said Deputy Pentagon Spokesperson Sabrina Singh.
Recall
US House Speaker Mike Johnson has warned Republican senators that the chamber will prepare its own draft to help Ukraine, but it will differ significantly from the $95 billion foreign aid package that the Senate passed last month. He has floated the idea of turning it into a loan program or a land-lending facility.
Speaker Johnson explains the reason for difficulties in approving aid to Ukraine3/15/24, 3:35 AM