US House of Representatives approves aid for Ukraine

The US House of Representatives has approved sending $60.8bn (£49bn) in foreign aid to Ukraine.

Democrats and Republicans joined together after months of deadlock over renewed American support to help Ukraine fend off Russia's invasion.

Representatives could be seen waving small Ukrainian flags as it became clear the package was going to pass.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tweeted to say he was "grateful" for the decision, which he said "keeps history on the right track".

He said: "Democracy and freedom will always have global significance and will never fail as long as America helps to protect it.

"The vital US aid bill passed today by the House will keep the war from expanding, save thousands and thousands of lives, and help both of our nations to become stronger."

Representatives also approved bills to send foreign aid to Israel and provide humanitarian relief to Palestinians in Gaza, and give security assistance to Taiwan.

UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said the funding was "a vital step forward".

"If Putin ever doubted the West's resolve to back Ukraine, this shows our collective will is undimmed," he tweeted.

"With support, Ukraine can and will win."

The package will now go to the US Senate, where it is likely to be passed on Tuesday. President Joe Biden has then promised to sign it immediately.

"I urge the Senate to quickly send this package to my desk so that I can sign it into law and we can quickly send weapons and equipment to Ukraine to meet their urgent battlefield needs," said President Biden.

Source, Sky News.

My reaction: