Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine, my heart has been heavy at the suffering of so many innocent people in Ukraine. War is always a tragedy, but this war is particularly touching to me because of its David vs. Goliath, good vs evil quality. The bravery of the Ukrainian society, both its military and its civilians, has been incredible. From the beginning of the Russian invasion I have been critical of what seemed like the intimidation of the West by Putin’s constant nuclear blackmail, which caused the USA to slow walk and delay powerful and effective weapons Ukraine so desperately needed to defend itself. The USA however, as well as NATO, was at least sending Ukraine enough to not only hold the line , but to retake significant amounts of territory as well.
Then the Republicans retook the House. They have blocked urgent supplies and aid to Ukraine for months now. Speaker Johnson, either because he personally is on Russia’s side or afraid of a rebellions from the MAGA hordes like Marjorie Taylor Greene, has up to now refused to let the bipartisan US Senate passed aid bill have an up or down vote in the House. In the meantime the Russians have begun to retake the initiative on the front and Ukraine has faced almost impossible disadvantages as their army’s ammunition is limited, and/or running out completely. It is now or never to get them help! Because Johnson knew if the aid package was allowed a vote, it would pass the House easily. Now, about a year too late, the Speaker has finally agreed to let a Ukraine bill on the House floor. However, instead of the quicker and more effective way to get the aid passed, the already Senate passed bill, he has taken to his usual games. He has split the aid into 4 separate bills. One for Israel, one for Ukraine, one for Taiwan, and a 4th one supposedly dealing with the border tailored to mollify the enraged MAGAs.
I dont know if this is going to work, but the Democrats have signaled openess to it. If this is the only way we can get the aid to Ukraine before its too late, I guess its the best we can do. Maybe its good the aid to Israel is in another bill, because a lot of progressives are uncomfortable with voting for it under the present policies of the Netanyahu regime and the mass death and starvation ongoing in Gaza.
There could be a vote as early as Saturday of the Ukraine aid package. Supposedly the bill is essentially the same as the Senate passed bill, only it is split into separate components. I hope and pray that this aid is approved for Ukraine. The Ukrainian army and people have shown incredible courage and perseverance, The excellent diaries of so many Kossacks have really touched me emotionally, the stories of the soldiers returning to their adoring children, the kindness of the soldiers to the animals, the all around comraderie and decency of Ukrainian culture. I so hope this desperately needed aid package is finally on the way for Ukraine!
Slava Ukraini!