English Section

UPDATE: Biden announces $3 bn in new US military aid to Ukraine

24.08.2022 15:15
US President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced almost USD 3 billion in new security assistance to Ukraine, Washington's largest aid package for Kyiv since Moscow's invasion six months ago, news agencies reported.
US President Joe Biden.
US President Joe Biden.Photo: EPA/JIM LO SCALZO

The announcement coincided with Ukraine's Independence Day, marking 31 years since the country declared independence from the Soviet Union.

"On behalf of all Americans, I congratulate the people of Ukraine on their Independence Day," Biden said in a statement.

He added: "Over the past six months, Ukrainians have inspired the world with their extraordinary courage and dedication to freedom. They have stood resolute and strong in the face of Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine. And today is not only a celebration of the past, but a resounding affirmation that Ukraine proudly remains – and will remain – a sovereign and independent nation."

Biden said in his statement that the United States "is committed to supporting the people of Ukraine as they continue the fight to defend their sovereignty."

As part of that commitment, he said he was "proud to announce America's biggest tranche of security assistance to date: approximately $2.98 billion of weapons and equipment to be provided through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative."

He added that "this will allow Ukraine to acquire air defense systems, artillery systems and munitions, counter-unmanned aerial systems, and radars to ensure it can continue to defend itself over the long term."

In total, the United States has committed around USD 10.6 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden administration in January 2021, the Reuters news agency reported.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that his country was "reborn" when Russia invaded it six months ago and vowed that Kyiv would never give up its fight for freedom.

Polish President Andrzej Duda visited Kyiv on Tuesday to mark the anniversary of Ukrainian independence and pledge more aid to the war-torn country.

(gs)

Source: PAP, Reuters, whitehouse.gov