Zelensky: signing land-lease by Biden historic

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says that the signing of a land-lease act by US President Joe Biden on May 9 “is a historic step,” as the move will allow the US to supply weapons to Ukraine without much bureaucracy. 

“Today’s signing of the law on Lend-Lease is a historic step. I am convinced that we will win together again. And we will defend democracy in Ukraine. And in Europe. Like 77 years ago,” Zelensky said shortly after the signing ceremony in the White House. 

The bill, which earlier  passed the Senate unanimously and the House of Representatives by a vote of 417 to 10, allows Washington to  loan weapons to Ukraine through reduced  bureaucratic hurdles.

The Lend-Lease Act of 1941 was initially  proposed by US President Franklin D. Roosevelt to help arm British forces battling Nazi Germany.

Biden’s signing the bill fell on the Victory Day, commemorating the defeat of Nazis by the Allies 77 years ago.