U.S. Congress approves $560 million for Ukraine from federal budget
After several weeks of political negotiations, the upper house of the U.S. Congress has approved by a majority vote a consolidated draft federal budget in the total amount of $1.1 trillion for the 2017 financial year, which ends on September 30. Voting took place on Thursday.
79 senators supported the bill, while 18 opposed. The House of Representatives voted on the document the day before. For the budget’s final entry into force, President Trump must sign the document.
It is expected that the head of the White House will quickly sign the document, as the government's authorized financing period ends on Friday, after which a government shutdown may occur.
The updated budget provides for an increase of $15 billion in defense spending and an additional $1.5 billion to ensure border security, particularly in the south with Mexico.
Among other things, the document also determines the allocation of at least $560.465 million in support for Ukraine.
As reported, it is planned to allocate for this purpose at least $410.465 million for various types of assistance, as well as $150 million for the "Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative".