President Joe Biden signed into law on Wednesday a USD 95 billion war aid measure that includes aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The measure also includes a provision that would force social media site TikTok to be sold or be banned in the US. The announcement marks the end of a long and painful battle with Republicans in Congress over urgently needed assistance for Ukraine.

In a White House event to announce the signing, Biden stated, “We rose to the moment, we came together, and we got it done. Now we need to move fast, and we are.” This signing comes after months of damage to the Biden administration’s efforts to help Ukraine repel Russia’s invasion during the funding impasse that started in August when the president made his first emergency spending request for Ukraine aid.

Despite the influx of new weapons and ammunition, Ukraine is unlikely to immediately recover after months of setbacks. Biden mentioned that the transfer of an initial aid package of military assistance will begin in a matter of hours. The first tranche from the allocated USD 61 billion for Ukraine is expected to include air defense capabilities, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and other weapons to strengthen Ukrainian forces.

However, it remains uncertain if Ukraine can make enough progress to sustain American political support and rebuild its infrastructure after suffering massive damage. Russian President Vladimir Putin has been gaining victories, and Ukraine has seen morale sink. White House national security spokesman John Kirby acknowledged the challenges, stating, “It’s not going in the Ukrainians’ favor in the Donbas, certainly not elsewhere in the country. Mr. Putin thinks he can play for time. So we’ve got to try to make up some of that time.”

Currently, Russian forces are focusing on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. They have exploited air defense shortages and damaged the region’s energy infrastructure, possibly preparing for a summer offensive to seize the city.

House Speaker Mike Johnson faced threats from far-right Republicans, including Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and Representative Thomas Massie, who threatened to oust him if he allowed a vote to send more assistance to Ukraine. The threats have persisted despite the signing of the aid measure.

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