Vindman: US passing more aid would provide Ukraine with ‘big boost of morale’

Retired Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman said the U.S. passing new aid for Ukraine in its fight against Russia would give the Eastern European country a “big boost of morale” in Friday comments.

“I think the U.S. coming through with aid is going to be critical,” Vindman said in an interview with MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell Friday. “That is gonna be a big boost of morale, and also depress Russia’s morale.”

On Friday, the House advanced legislation to send aid to Ukraine alongside other U.S. allies. The lower chamber went in favor of the foreign aid rule in a 316-94 vote, allowing for debate on four bills that put together military aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, alongside humanitarian aid for Gaza and other war zones.

“Finally, we hear [House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.)] over the past couple days, issue a very powerful statement that he’s going to support…the Ukraine aid,” Vindman said in his MSNBC interview. “That is critically important, because we don’t wanna see our troops fighting on the ground in Ukraine.’

Johnson unveiled the text Wednesday for foreign aid bills to give assistance to Ukraine, Israel and allies in the Indo-Pacific, alongside humanitarian aid for Gaza and other global hot spots. The Speaker has said he was looking at a Saturday evening vote on the legislation. 

“By posting text of these bills as soon as they are completed, we will ensure time for a robust amendment process. We expect the vote on final passage on these bills to be on Saturday evening. Thank you all for your feedback and support. I value every Member of this conference and look forward to continuing our work together,” he wrote in a text message to lawmakers prior to the legislation being publicly unveiled.