Explaining complex things in simple words: U. S. Senate voting, British aid, Consular issues

1. U.S. SENATE VOTING

On April 23, the upper chamber of the U.S. Congress voted for the law on aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan: 79 votes "for"; 17 - "against".

•     The U.S. Congress finally passed a decision to aid partners and allies. The process lasted six months.
•     The Senate (the upper chamber of Congress) very promptly approved decisions previously passed by the House of Representatives.
•     We are grateful to the congressmen who, despite the difficult challenges in the field of domestic politics, were able to make a decision that was extremely important for Ukraine.
•     Huge thanks to diplomats and all lobbyists who brought this day closer.
•     The vote confirmed that Ukraine has bipartisan support in the United States.
•     We expect that the process of transferring weapons to Ukraine will begin by the end of this week.

2. BRITISH AID

U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed the allocation of a £500 million defence support package to Ukraine.

•     The U.K. is a reliable partner and ally of Ukraine, which has been helping to resist Russian aggression since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.
•     This is the largest defence aid package provided from the U.K. to Ukraine. In particular, it includes 400 pieces of equipment, four million ammunition, air defence elements and Storm Shadow missiles.
•     The U.K. concluded the first Agreement on Security Co-operation with Ukraine, January 12, 2024. Since then, 8 other countries followed this example.
•     In addition to long-term security guarantees, the U.K. provides Ukraine with long-term financing guarantees for each subsequent year, when it is needed. This is the largest long-term commitment of any state.

3. CONSULAR ISSUES

Ukraine has suspended the provision of consular services abroad until the information and communication systems of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are changed in accordance with the legislation on mobilization.

•     Protection of the rights and interests of Ukrainian citizens abroad has always been and remains a priority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At the same time, in the conditions of full-scale Russian aggression, the main priority is the protection of the Motherland.
•     Staying abroad does not release citizens from their duty to the Motherland. There should be equal attitude of men of mobilization age in Ukraine and abroad.
•     Obligations to update one's documents in the Territorial Recruitment Centres existed even before the adoption of the new law on mobilization. This will now be a mandatory condition for receiving consular services.
•     The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide soon more detailed explanations regarding the procedure for providing consular services in foreign consular institutions of Ukraine to men of mobilization age, taking into account the mobilization legislation.

Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security