'We are showing Putin...,' US Senate clears $95bn aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan

The US Senate voted on Tuesday (April 23) to approve $95bn in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan — the first two are in a conventional state of war with Russia and Palestinian militant groups, respectively. Meanwhile, Taiwan continues to face China's expansionist belligerence amid its consistent assertion of theself-ruled island nation being its own.

The US Senate voted with a bipartisan super-majority. The bill will become a law once signed by US President Joe Biden. The final vote was 79 to 18.

The Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer described the bill's successful passageas "one of the greatest achievements the Senate has made in years."

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"Today the Senate sends a unified message to the entire world: America will always defend democracy in its hour of need," Chuck Schumer claimed despitea chequered American interventionist record abroad that has left a trail of anarchy-fueled terrorism in West Asia and Afghanistan during theformative decades of the 21st century.

"Make no mistake, America will deliver on its promise to act like a leader on the world stage, to hold the line against autocratic thugs like Vladimir Putin," he continued. "We are showing Putin that betting against America is always, always a grave mistake."

Zelensky thanks US for aid bill

Shortly after the US Senate cleared the bill that includes a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine,President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the US Senate for approving the aid for his country.

"I thank Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell for their strong leadership in advancing this bipartisan legislation, as well as all US Senators on both sides of the aisle who voted in favour of it," he posted on social media minutes after the bill was passed.

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The United States has backed Ukraine in its war against Russiain what many have interpreted as the resumption of hostilities between Washington and Moscow following a few decades of a semblance of stability after the end of the Cold War.

The new aid package that includes vital military supplies had been stalled for months in Congress.

"I equally appreciate President Biden's support and look forward to the bill being signed soon and the next military aid package matching the resoluteness that I always see in our negotiations," Zelensky added.

(With inputs from agencies)