Zelenskyy Vows Ukraine Won't Become Second Afghanistan, Challenges Russia, Hails US Aid

The decision made by the US House of Representatives on Sunday to designate $61 billion in aid for Ukraine, which had been long overdue, was indicated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a signal that Ukraine will not be turned into "a second Afghanistan."

More than two years after its neighbour in Eastern Europe was invaded by Moscow, the most recent large package of military and economic aid for Ukraine was approved by the House on Saturday.

Photo Credit: PTI

Zelenskyy Praise US Aid, Challenges Russia

In an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press," Zelenskyy stated that this aid will strengthen Ukraine and send a powerful signal to the Kremlin that it will not become the second Afghanistan. He added, "The United States will stay with Ukraine, will protect Ukrainians, and... they'll protect democracy in the world," as reported by First Post.

The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979, igniting a Cold War-era insurgency that saw mujahideen fighters funded and armed by the United States, driving Russian forces out a decade later. Zelenskyy mentioned that some of his forces were exhausted and needed replacement with new brigades equipped with necessary equipment.

The bills passed on Saturday are the result of months of acrimonious negotiations, pressure from US allies, and repeated pleas for assistance from Zelenskyy. The United States has been the chief military backer of Ukraine in its war against Russia, but Congress has not approved large-scale funding for its ally for nearly a year and a half, mainly because of cross-aisle bickering.

The delay has undermined Kyiv's fight against Moscow, as money to replace items drawn from US stocks ran out. The resulting gaps saw Ukrainian troops - outnumbered and outgunned by Moscow's forces - run short of key items such as artillery munitions, leaving them vulnerable, as per media reports.

The bills must still be passed by the Senate and then signed by President Joe Biden, who has promised to do so immediately. The Pentagon added that it will move fast to get aid to Ukraine. Zelenskyy emphasized the urgency of receiving tangible assistance for frontline soldiers as soon as possible.