Ukrainian FM Kuleba urges projecting strength to deter Putin, noting that the Russian leader becomes more aggressive when he senses fear.
From: Euromaiden Press BY YURI ZORIA
In his interview with CNN, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed relief that the latest US $61 billion aid package was finally approved by Congress after months of delay. However, he lamented that the delays cost Ukrainian lives as soldiers lacked sufficient weapons despite their bravery and willingness to sacrifice for their country.
Last fall, President Joe Biden requested $95 billion in foreign aid, including $60.8 billion for Ukraine, but Congressional Republicans stalled the proposal for six months. This delay weakened Ukraine’s defenses in the war with Russia, allowing Russia to capture territory and increase aerial attacks. The aid saga was concluded on 24 April, when US President Joe Biden finally signed an aid bill approved by Congress on the previous day.
“It’s good to have America back, and it’s better when good things happen later than do not happen at all. But I do agree that this package should have been passed much, much earlier, and things would turn differently on many accounts,” Dmytro Kuleba told CNN.
The approval of the US aid package after more than six months of political debate in Congress gave a morale boost to the Ukrainian society and is an important “message from Washington that the struggle continues, the fight for freedom and democracy goes on,” according to Kuleba.
Voice of Ukraine 