The White House has announced a $2.98 billion package of weapons and equipment for Ukraine, the largest amount of security funding it has provided during the ongoing conflict with Russia. The package includes air defense systems, artillery, munitions, counter-unmanned aerial systems, and radars to help Ukraine defend itself in the long term.
The announcement came on Ukraine’s independence day, which marks its 1991 split from the Soviet Union and coincides with the six-month anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
The US has already given Ukraine about $11 billion in security assistance over the past six months in an effort to help the country push back against Russia’s invading army.
In a statement, President Joe Biden said the package “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.” He added that the US is “committed to supporting the people of Ukraine as they continue the fight to defend their sovereignty.”
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine since 24 February 2022 has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions of people.
In his statement, Biden acknowledged that Independence Day in Ukraine is “bittersweet” for many due to the ongoing conflict, but he expressed support for the Ukrainian people and their fight for independence.
He said, “six months of relentless attacks have only strengthened Ukrainians’ pride in themselves, in their country, and in their thirty-one years of independence. Today and every day, we stand with the Ukrainian people to proclaim that the darkness that drives autocracy is no match for the flame of liberty that lights the souls of free people everywhere.”