US President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday about $3 billion in new military aid to Kyiv to mark the anniversary of Ukraine’s independence and the start of the seventh month of the Russian invasion.
“I am proud to announce the largest security assistance package to date: approximately $2.98 billion in arms and equipment will be provided through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative,” Biden said in a statement. “This will allow Ukraine to acquire air defense systems, artillery systems, ammunition, anti-drone systems and radars so that it can continue to defend itself in the long term,” he added.
The money can be used for immediate war expenses, including the purchase of supplies and weapons, i.e. money from the Pentagon Fund, which can be used for immediate expenses or the acquisition of weapons. This fund is different from the presidential fund, which allows Biden to order the immediate removal of weapons, ammunition and equipment from US military stockpiles to be sent to Ukrainian forces.
On Friday, the Pentagon announced the latest $775 million Presidential Fund aid package, including precision-guided missiles, anti-tank weapons, reconnaissance drones, artillery and mine-clearing equipment. Biden praised Ukraine’s resistance to the Russian invasion, which began on Feb. 24.
“Six months of continuous attacks have strengthened the pride of Ukrainians for themselves, their country and 31 years of independence,” he said. “Today and every day we support the Ukrainian people,” he added.