US approval of aid package brings hope to Kyiv amid war

The mood in Kyiv took a positive turn on Sunday as the United States approved a substantial $61 billion aid package for Ukraine, providing a much-needed boost to the war-torn nation. Despite the overcast skies, the residents of the Ukrainian capital expressed cautious optimism about the significant support from their most crucial ally.

The aid package, approved by the US House of Representatives after extended deliberation, addresses a critical shortage of munitions and air defenses faced by Ukrainian forces. As they continue to confront Russian aggression on the battlefield, the fresh infusion of resources is expected to make a considerable difference. Oksana, a 50-year-old nurse, shared her excitement with AFP, saying, “It’s finally happened. We’re really looking forward to it. It will help a lot. The most important thing is to have something to defend ourselves with.”

Washington has been Ukraine’s primary source of military and financial aid since the conflict began. The recently approved package not only allocates nearly $14 billion to support Ukraine’s military with training, equipment, and other essentials but also includes $10 billion in “forgivable loans” for economic and infrastructure recovery. The loans are critical for rebuilding the energy sector and repairing damaged infrastructure. Dmytro, a 19-year-old barber in Kyiv, explained his optimism: “Of course, it’s not too late. With the amount of weapons we’ve been given, we won’t give up any more territory and will definitely not go back.”

Despite the sense of relief, experts warn that it could take some time before the impact of the US aid is felt on the battlefield. The aid package still needs approval from the Senate and must be signed by President Joe Biden. Once those hurdles are cleared, logistical challenges could delay the arrival of much-needed resources. According to the Institute for the Study of War, “new US assistance will not begin to affect the situation on the front line for several weeks.” This delay could put additional strain on Ukrainian forces, especially as Russia announced on Sunday that it had captured another village near the key battleground town of Chasiv Yar.

Nevertheless, the approval of the aid package brings hope to the people of Ukraine. Stepan, a 61-year-old railway worker, emphasized the urgency of the support, saying, “Help should be provided to Ukraine immediately. Because the guys are suffering at the front line.” He also highlighted the dire need for additional artillery, adding, “Shells are really needed at the front line. We’ve been waiting for this for long, long bloody years.” Despite these challenges, there is a sense of relief that assistance is on its way, with Oksana noting, “It will save our lives.”

For now, the people of Kyiv remain cautiously optimistic, knowing that more battles lie ahead. But with the support of their allies, they feel better equipped to face the future.