People who know Ukrainians are aware that few things are harder for us than to ask for money. Citizens of this country learn from an early age, often before they even start school, that money is directly tied to hard work and merit-based rewards. This principle is deeply ingrained in our culture, and sometimes it poses challenges because it involves an element of honor that makes it difficult to recognize when we need help and to ask for assistance when things get really serious in our lives.
With that in mind, we can better understand the greatness of President Zelenskyy when he travels the world insisting on military and humanitarian aid. Every time he mentions the need for financial support, he goes against the most basic lessons he received from his family and chooses to recognize the particular urgency of the country he is in charge of.
Going against cultural taboos ingrained in us from childhood is always a tough task. Many Ukrainians aren't able to ask for help and consciously endure serious consequences such as hunger and homelessness, even when they have family who could provide relief. Thankfully, our president knows that the current situation demands a special mindset, and there are times in life when we need to set aside some of our core beliefs.
This is an event that requires us to reinvent ourselves simply to survive. One can only imagine the internal conflicts that Volodymyr is grappling with when he meets foreign leaders and presents the bill for the war. This is the kind of sacrifice we only make when our survival is at stake. That's why he is a leader. He knows his job goes beyond himself. He carries the heart and soul of millions every time he acts on his pledges.
And all of this to say that the recent approval of the military aid bill by the United States Congress marks a pivotal moment in this ongoing war. It's an affirmation of solidarity, friendship, commitment, and a critical lifeline for the brave defenders of Ukraine. It demonstrates that the USA understands the security risks to the entire world posed by Russian adventures. This approval represents a strategic turning point, providing our nation with the tools it needs to repel Russian advances and safeguard our territory.
As anyone can understand, there is nothing more costly than war. There are direct costs associated with military operations, such as the procurement of weapons, equipment, and ammunition, as well as the maintenance and recruitment of military personnel. Additionally, there are indirect costs like the destruction of infrastructure, loss of productivity, and the need for extensive reconstruction efforts. It is an operation that encompasses millions of people dispersed across the largest territory of any country entirely within the European continent, around 10% larger than France and only slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Texas.
The psychological toll on the population further compounds the challenges faced by Ukraine and is not addressed in any aid bill. It is impossible to measure and is perhaps the most expensive aspect, one that we will surely be paying for generations to come. Overall, the impact of the war extends far beyond immediate casualties, deeply affecting all aspects of the social fabric and economic prospects.
The significance of this aid package will also enable Ukraine to stem the tide of Russian aggression and buy precious time for long-term planning. Sometimes in warfare, staying in the fight is paramount, and this is rightfully addressed and acknowledged now. It also sends a powerful message of solidarity to the international community, reaffirming America's commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and freedom, standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in its struggle against tyranny.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the approval of the military aid for Ukraine. Thanks to all representatives and everyone who contributed to having this aid bill passed. That includes you, the citizens of the United States of America who are firmly supporting Ukraine and exerting pressure on your representatives in Washington, D.C. and remembering Ukraine every day on social media.
Every time you read my writings from now on, you can consider that without your backing, maybe I would not be alive to spread these humble words around. Who knows what Russia would do to us if we couldn't have funds to defend ourselves. Unfortunately, we have a feeling of what could happen. Fortunately, the entire free world also shares this feeling by now.