Biden Signs $40 Billion Ukraine Aid Package While Working To Rebuild Ties In South Korea, Asia

President Joe Biden has signed a $40 billion package that will send military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine amid Russia’s continued attacks on the country.

Biden was in Seoul on Saturday when he signed the bill that is expected to be evenly distributed between humanitarian and military aid.

The package is expected to authorize a transfer of $11 billion in American weapons and other supplies from the armed forces, and $9 billion will be used to replace the military equipment America sent from its stockpiles.

Ukraine will also receive $8.8 billion to help its economy and $6 billion for support and training of Ukraine’s armed forces.

Also included is food assistance and health services for Ukraine and U.S. military intelligence and deployments. Smaller sums will be paid to various U.S. agencies.

The signing of the package comes as Biden has taken steps to mend America’s relationship with South Korea by expanding joint military exercises following a rocky relationship during the Trump administration.

Biden met with President Yoon Suk-yeol on Saturday to discuss several topics, including direct communication with the leader of North Korea.

Biden noted that the U.S. offered North Korea its COVID-19 vaccines amid its latest outbreak but has received “no response.”

“The alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States has never been stronger, more vibrant or, I might add, more vital,” Biden said during a press conference in Seoul.

Biden also touted the importance of the continued presence of the U.S. military in South Korea.

“It’s emblematic of our strength and our continuing strength and the durability of our alliance and our readiness to take on all threats,” he said.

Biden is expected to travel to Japan on Sunday to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, as well as leaders from Australia and India.