U.S. to give $33 bln assistance package to Ukraine - Zelensky

KYIV. April 29 (Interfax-Ukraine) - The United States is preparing a new $33-billion assistance package for Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

"There is serious news. The U.S. has prepared a new package of assistance for Ukraine worth $33 billion," Zelensky said in a video address on Thursday evening.

"In particular, more than $20 billion may be spent on defense. Another $8 billion or so will be spent on economic support. And another $3 billion will be spent on humanitarian aid," Zelensky said.

"It is an important step taken by the United States. And I am grateful to the American people and personally to President Joe Biden for it. I hope that the Congress will promptly support this appeal on assistance for our country," he said.

Head of Zelensky's Office Andriy Yermak said in the early hours of Friday that the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act on Thursday.

"The Lend Lease for Ukraine is finally open. The legislation has been voted on. Thanks to the allies," Yermak said on Telegram.

The document gives the U.S. president increased powers to lend and lease defense equipment to Ukraine.

"Upon adoption of the act, the chairman of the White House has 60 days to put in place fast-track procedures to the deliveries of such products. The Lend-Lease Act will help significantly expedite the deliveries of weapons, transport, food supplies and assistance to us from the U.S.," Yermak said.

The Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act passed the House of Representatives with a wide bipartisan majority on Thursday evening.

"The House commended the Lend-Lease Act of 2022 S. 3522 - the Law on Defense of Democracy in Ukraine by 417 votes to 10," the House of Representatives said on Twitter.

The legislation gives the U.S. president broader powers to lend and lease defense equipment to Ukraine to be used for the "protection of the civilian population" and for other purposes.