Biden announces new aid package for Ukraine after talks with Zelensky

“I am proud that today we will announce a new military aid package for Ukraine,” Biden said, without specifying the value of that aid.

“The package includes air defense missiles to protect Ukraine’s critical infrastructure; anti-drone and anti-armor missile equipment to protect against Russian tactical developments on the battlefield; and weapons for frontline troops and mobile missile systems to protect them,” Biden said.

“Russia will not be involved in this conflict. The independent people of Ukraine will win – and the United States, our friends and partners will continue to support them every step of the way,” Biden said.

Biden and Zelensky’s phone call came ahead of Ukraine’s independence day and the same day the US announced sweeping sanctions against nearly 400 people and companies linked to the Russian defense industry.

On Thursday, US officials unofficially announced that the Biden administration would send $125 million in new military aid to Ukraine. An official announcement was expected soon.

With the new package, the total amount of US military aid to Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022 will reach more than 55.7 billion US dollars.