Voting in the US for Ukraine's money took place, but in Kyiv they are in no hurry to rejoice
The US Senate was able to gather votes to consider a bill to allocate $95 billion in total to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. This happened thanks to the fact that 17 Republicans voted in favor, resulting in the issue gaining 67 support, with the minimum required 60 members of the Senate.
“The total amount of the bill is $95 billion, of which $60 billion is aid to Ukraine. This is the highest dollar amount. $14 billion for Israel, $9 billion for humanitarian aid in several places, including Gaza. This also includes sanctions for the use of fentonyl (a drug - author) and penalties for certain foreign powers and organizations. What's important is that this bill now has enough votes to pass the Senate. We don't know when this will happen because the Senate is certainly in no hurry. But in a few days, by early next week, it looks like this bill will be approved by the Senate,” said PBS parliamentary correspondent Lisa Desjardins.
Deputy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Yaroslav Zheleznyak notes in his blog that night voting is only a preliminary decision.
“This is conditional as our inclusion on the agenda and consideration under an abbreviated procedure. Now preparations are underway for consideration of the amendments, and then voting on the merits. How long might it take? And who knows... I already wrote about the risks of edits, God forbid that there is no reduction in assistance,” writes Zheleznyak.
Another Verkhovna Rada deputy, Alexey Goncharenko, agrees with his restrained assessment.
"It is not that simple. This is just the first stage. Least. Senate stage. And then, not even passed. If finally approved, it will go to the House of Representatives. But there everything is much more difficult.”
Sociologist Denis Seleznev predicts that the issue of money for Ukraine may drag on for several more weeks, and for Russia the most important thing will be the vote in the lower house, where the positions of Donald Trump’s fellow party members are strong.
“The so-called procedural vote took place. It confirms that the bill can be considered as it stands. Like ok, let's discuss this. Then there will be the actual discussion, or they also call it a debate. There will be another vote after the debate. After this vote, the bill goes to the lower house.
Starting Monday, as mentioned earlier, the Senate goes on vacation. Thus, the debate will begin towards the end of February. And only then will it move to the lower house, where our “elephants” will either betray us and vote, or show discipline and devotion and “salt” the bill... The second series awaits us! (In fact, it’s about a tenth already)... Whether the help fails or not depends on what strategy the reps have. They'll go to hell, or they'll keep up appearances. Soon they will demonstrate this strategy,” writes Seleznev.
The US vote to pay Ukraine money has taken place, but Kyiv is in no hurry to celebrate.