Biden Speaks with Zelenskyy, Announces New Military Aid for Ukraine
On Friday, U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a pivotal call during which Biden announced a new $125 million military aid package for Ukraine. This announcement comes just ahead of Ukraine’s Independence Day, highlighting continued U.S. support for Kyiv amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who also spoke with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov on Friday, confirmed the aid package details. According to the White House, the new assistance will include air-defense missiles, counter-drone equipment, anti-armor missiles, and ammunition. This support is aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defenses as it continues to face Russian aggression.
In his statement, Zelenskyy emphasized the critical need for the new supplies, particularly additional air-defense systems, to protect Ukrainian cities, communities, and infrastructure. “Ukraine critically needs the supply of weapons from the announced packages,” Zelenskyy said, underlining the importance of the aid in the ongoing struggle against Russian forces.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, following its annexation of Crimea in 2014, the United States has provided over $50 billion in military aid to Ukraine. This assistance has been a cornerstone of U.S. support, alongside sanctions imposed on Moscow.
The conflict saw a significant escalation on August 6, when Ukraine launched an incursion into Russia’s Kursk region. Despite recent battlefield successes reported by Kyiv, Russian forces continue to advance in eastern Ukraine.
In a related move, the U.S. imposed sanctions on over 400 entities and individuals for their involvement in supporting Russia’s military efforts, including Chinese companies allegedly assisting Moscow in evading Western sanctions.
This latest military aid package and the new sanctions reflect the United States’ ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine and holding Russia accountable for its actions.
