Biden Announces Additional $42 Trillion Support for Ukraine... Allies Including Han Collaborate Against Russian Energy Threat

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] U.S. President Joe Biden on the 28th (local time) requested an additional budget of $33 billion (approximately 42.0255 trillion KRW) from Congress to support Ukraine. He also announced plans to cooperate with countries such as South Korea and Japan to respond to Europe's energy crisis caused by Russia's gas supply cut-off.

In a nationwide address at the White House that day, President Biden stated, "We are not attacking Russia, but helping Ukraine, which Russia has invaded," and announced additional support plans for Ukraine.

The additional support package for Ukraine includes $20 billion (25.47 trillion KRW) in military aid including weapons, $8.5 billion (10.8247 trillion KRW) in direct economic assistance, and $3 billion (3.8205 trillion KRW) for humanitarian and food aid.

President Biden appealed to Congress, saying, "The cost of this fight is not cheap, but the price of succumbing to aggression will be higher."

He also pointed out that Russia's emerging oligarchs are close associates of Russian President Vladimir Putin and support the invasion of Ukraine, requesting Congress to pass legislation to strengthen judicial enforcement powers to freeze and seize their assets. Specifically, he proposed amending the RICO Act, originally enacted to combat the mafia.

Regarding Russia's sudden suspension of natural gas supplies to some European countries, President Biden said, "We (the U.S.) will not tolerate them (Russia) using oil and gas to evade the consequences of their aggression," and added, "We are cooperating with countries including South Korea, Japan, and Qatar to support Europe's allies who are being threatened by Russia using natural gas as leverage." He further mentioned that discussions are underway with allies about selling natural gas to Europe.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.