KABUL (BNA) Russia said on Saturday it was banning entry to 963 Americans including U.S. President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and CIA chief William Burns The travel bans have only a symbolic impact but form part of a constant downward spiral in Russia’s relations with the United States and its allies since its Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine.
Earlier on Friday, the US Congress on Thursday approved a gargantuan $40 billion aid package for Ukraine to help fight Russia’s invasion as Biden rallied behind the historic NATO membership bids of Sweden and Finland. With unusually bipartisan support, the Senate voted 86-11 pass the package — the equivalent of the 2020 GDP of Cameroon — after one senator briefly held up the vote, voicing alarm about the costs, Reported AP.
Aid for Ukraine goes far beyond charity,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said.
“The future of American security and core strategic interests will be shaped by the outcome of this fight,” he said ahead of the vote.
The bundle includes $6 billion earmarked for Ukraine to boost its armored vehicle inventory and air defense system. Nearly $9 billion is set aside to help Ukraine ensure “continuity of government” as well as humanitarian aid.
W/A
