President Biden accelerates arms deliveries to Ukraine

President Biden signed the Lend-lease Act in the Oval Office, saying the US stands with the people of Ukraine.

The law is being used to speed up the delivery of artillery, surface-to-air missiles, anti-tank weapons and other powerful systems to Ukraine.

The White House boss also signaled his willingness to make political concessions in Congress, ie giving up requests related to Covid-19 support to request an additional $ 33 billion in aid to Ukraine, which was approved quickly.

US President Joe Biden on May 9 approved the Lend-lease Act to speed up arms deliveries to Ukraine. Photo: Reuters

Meanwhile, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo announced that Washington will temporarily remove tariffs imposed under the administration of former President Donald Trump on Ukrainian steel. The goal is to support Ukraine’s economy and send a message of support to the country.

Earlier, during a visit to the White House in April, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal asked the US to remove tariffs. Some US congressmen have repeatedly urged the Biden administration to comply with this request.

However, many experts affirm the radio CNN that the move seems to be mostly symbolic because according to the International Trade Administration, the US will only import 130,649 tons of Ukrainian steel in 2021.

The US will remove tariffs on Ukrainian steel within a year. Photo: Reuters