President Joe Biden has announced $800million more in security assistance to Ukraine, bringing the US’s total contribution to more than $1billion in the past week. However, Biden did not take action on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s greatest pleas to Congress hours earlier.
Speaking from the White House on Wednesday afternoon, Biden thanked Congress for appropriating the funds.
‘This package is going to provide unprecedented assistance to Ukraine,’ Biden said.
The aid package contains 800 Stinger anti-aircraft systems; 9,000 anti-armor systems including 2,000 Javelin; 100 grenade launchers; and more than 20million rounds of small arms ammunition.
In addition, the US is allocating ‘drones, which demonstrates our commitment to sending our most cutting edge systems to Ukraine,’ Biden said.
‘This could be a long and difficult battle, but the American people will be steadfast in our support of the people of Ukraine in the face of Putin’s immoral, unethical attacks on civilian populations,’ Biden said.
‘We are united in our abhorrence of Putin’s depraved onslaught. And we’re going to continue to have their backs as they fight for their freedom, their democracy, their very survival.’
The funds will be drawn from the $13.6billion set aside for Ukraine in the omnibus budget bill that Biden signed on Tuesday.
Biden’s announcement came hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a virtual address to US Congress members, pleading for a no-fly zone over his country under attack by Russia.
to deter Russian bombers that have hit hospitals, schools and residential buildings, as well as fighter jets
In addition to the no-fly zone that would deter Russian bombers from striking schools, hospitals and residential structures, Zelensky has called for fighter jets.
Several Congress members said they were moved by Zelensky’s speech, as Biden faces pressure to boost support for Ukraine. Zelensky also spoke out to Biden directly.
‘I’m addressing the President Biden: You are the leader of the nation, of your great nation,’ Zelensky said. ‘I wish you to be the leader of the world. Being the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace.’
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