In a major foreign policy move, President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that he will ask Congress to approve $100 billion in additional funding for Ukraine and Israel, two key allies facing security threats.
The president said that the funding will help bolster the defense capabilities of both countries, as well as support their economic development and democratic reforms. He also said that the funding will send a clear message to the adversaries of the United States and its allies that they will not tolerate any aggression or interference in their sovereignty.
The president’s announcement comes amid escalating tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, where Russia and Iran have been accused of pursuing destabilizing actions and violating international norms. In recent weeks, Russia has amassed tens of thousands of troops near the border with Ukraine, raising fears of a possible invasion or annexation of parts of the country.
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Meanwhile, Iran has continued to enrich uranium beyond the limits set by the 2015 nuclear deal, which the United States withdrew from in 2018 under former President Donald Trump.
The president said that he has been in close consultation with the leaders of Ukraine and Israel, as well as other allies and partners in Europe and the region, to coordinate a unified response to the challenges posed by Russia and Iran. He also said that he has been in dialogue with the leaders of Russia and Iran, urging them to de-escalate the situation and respect the international rules-based order.
The president stressed that the United States remains committed to diplomacy and dialogue, but also to defending its interests and values, as well as those of its allies and partners. He said that the proposed funding for Ukraine and Israel is not only a matter of security, but also of solidarity and shared values.
President Biden’s proposal is expected to face opposition from some members of Congress, who may question the need, cost, and effectiveness of such a large aid package. Some critics may also argue that the funding would escalate the tensions in the region, rather than reduce them. However, President Biden said that he is confident that he can persuade Congress to approve his request, saying that “this is not a partisan issue, but a national security issue”. He said that he will work with both parties to ensure that the funding is approved as soon as possible.
President Biden’s announcement has been welcomed by Ukraine and Israel, who expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the U.S. support. Both countries said that they share the same vision of a free, prosperous, and peaceful region, and that they are ready to cooperate with the U.S. and other allies to achieve it. They also said that they are willing to engage in constructive dialogue with Russia and Iran, but only on the basis of respect for their sovereignty and interests.