After signing a new law, US President Joe Biden announced a military package for Ukraine, which includes anti-aircraft equipment, artillery, missile systems, and armored vehicles. This $61 billion package, approved by Congress, aims to enhance Ukraine’s security and also bolster security in Europe. Biden warned that Russia could potentially attack a NATO partner, prompting the US to come to their aid as NATO allies did after the September 11 attacks.
The aid package, which had been blocked in Congress for months, was finally released after Iran’s major attack on Israel. The legislation includes funds for increasing weapons and ammunition in the US military’s inventory, which will indirectly benefit Ukraine. Biden confirmed that military equipment will be sent to Ukraine from US military stocks.
In addition to military support, the aid package also includes financial assistance, some in the form of loans. The law passed by the US parliamentarians pushes for the delivery of long-range ATACMS missile systems to Ukraine. The US has previously delivered ATACMS with shorter ranges, but Ukraine is seeking systems with a longer range. Details about the delivery of these new missiles are still being finalized.
Biden also signed a law targeting TikTok owner Bytedance, which mandates the company to separate from TikTok within a year or face a ban from American app stores. Bytedance, viewed as a Chinese company under the influence of the Chinese Communist Party, has faced concerns about data privacy and potential political influence. TikTok plans to challenge the law in court.
The law passed by the Senate with a significant majority aims to address concerns about data security and political influence originating from China. TikTok, with a large user base in the US, is facing scrutiny over its ties to China and data privacy issues. Bytedance, although majority owned by Western investors, has faced criticism due to its Chinese founders’ control and Beijing headquarters. The legal battle over TikTok’s ownership and operations is ongoing.