In a move symbolically timed to coincide with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, U.S. President Joe Biden signed the Lend-Lease Act on Monday, allowing his country to offer military equipment to Ukraine in its fight against occupying Russian forces.
“The Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022 is based on a World War II program designed to help Europe resist Hitler, and has been supported by almost every member of the U.S. Congress,” the White House said in a statement.
Before signing the law, Biden again criticized the atrocities committed by the Russians in Ukraine.
“I am signing a bill that provides another important tool in our efforts to support the Ukrainian government and the Ukrainian people in their fight to defend their country and democracy against Putin’s brutal war,” Biden told reporters in the Oval Office.
“I want to thank the members of Congress and all those who supported the bill, which shows that support for Ukraine is at a key moment,” the White House leader added.
The law was enacted on the day Russia marked the anniversary of its 1945 victory over Nazi Germany.
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, the Biden administration has offered Ukraine close to $3.8 billion in aid.
