Washington/Kiev, 20 October 2023 (dpa/MIA) - US President Joe Biden asked Congress on Friday for a $105 billion aid package for Ukraine that also includes aid for Israel and US border security.

His request comes a day after he announced his plans during a rare address from the Oval Office on Thursday night - but whether it can get through the deeply dysfunctional US Congress remains an open question.

The White House said that more than $61 billion would be earmarked to bolster Ukraine's defences in light of the ongoing war with Russia. The money would fund military assistance in various forms as well as replenish US army stocks that have been sent to Kiev.

The House of Representatives remains without a speaker amid bitter infighting among Republicans. And earlier this month the only way Congress could avert a government shutdown was by dropping Ukraine aid from a short-term funding bill.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday thanked Biden for the prospect of the new multibillion-dollar aid package. Despite the hurdles to getting it approved, Zelensky struck an optimistic tone.

"Ukraine is grateful for all the US support and its unfaltering belief that humanism, freedom, independence, and rules-based international order must always triumph," he posted on social media.

"The unwavering bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States is incredibly encouraging for all of our warriors and for our entire nation. America’s investment in Ukraine’s defence will ensure long-term security for all of Europe and the world," he continued.

Republicans, who have a majority in the House of Representatives, are increasingly resistant to allocating more money for Kiev, saying the US must prioritize its own military needs and that Congress cannot deliver a blank cheque to Ukraine.