The Blubber

American taxpayers are paying the salaries of Ukraine's first responders, all 57,000 of them, per CBS.

As the conflict in Ukraine approaches its third year, the United States has offered extensive aid, exceeding $70 billion in total. This financial support isn't limited solely to military assistance but also extends to various sectors, including agriculture, small businesses, and the nation's first responders.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the United States has played a pivotal role in financing Ukraine's struggle for survival. While Ukrainians continue their battle for life and liberty, a political showdown is unfolding in Washington concerning the Biden administration's request for over $20 billion in additional aid for Ukraine. Some Republican lawmakers in Congress oppose this request, with hardliners in the House advocating for a complete funding cutoff, while others call for increased oversight.

To date, the United States has allocated slightly over $43 billion in military aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion, an amount equivalent to approximately 5% of the American defense budget. In contrast, European nations collectively have contributed around $30 billion to Ukraine.

In addition to military assistance, the United States has supplied Ukraine with military equipment, including 186 Bradley fighting vehicles, each valued at approximately $2 million. A significant portion of America's assistance to Ukraine has been directed towards military aid, with American rocket launchers reaching deep into Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine. Furthermore, the Patriot air defense system is safeguarding millions of Ukrainian civilians from airstrikes.

Beyond military support, the U.S. government has procured seeds and fertilizer for Ukrainian farmers, covered the salaries of all 57,000 Ukrainian first responders, and funded divers tasked with clearing unexploded ordnance from the country's rivers, rendering them safe for swimming and fishing once more.