President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that the United States would be adding $1 billion in military aid to combat the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The United States will send a shipment of 36,000 rounds, two harpoon coastal defense systems, and 18 howitzers.
President Joe Biden announced that the U.S would be providing further assistance to Ukraine after a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky before his announcement.
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“I informed President Zelensky that the United States is providing another $1 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, including additional artillery and coastal defense weapons, as well as ammunition for the artillery and advanced rocket systems that the Ukrainians need to support their defensive operations in the Donbas,” said Biden. “We also discussed Secretary Austin’s efforts in Brussels today to coordinate additional international support for the Ukrainian armed forces”
The United States has also pledged $225 million in aid to help relieve the humanitarian crisis caused by war. The money will be used for water, medical supplies, healthcare, and food relief efforts; it also provides cash payments so that victims can purchase essential items.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba revealed that he spoke with Secretary of State Antony Blinken to thank him for the country’s “crucial military assistance.”
“(I) emphasized that we urgently need more heavy weapons delivered more regularly,” tweeted the Foreign Minister.
Russia’s UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia accused Western countries of entering a proxy war with Russia with all the support Ukraine has been receiving.
“I would like to say to the Western countries supplying weaponry to Ukraine – the blood of civilians is in your hands,” Nebenzia told reporters.
President Joe Biden announced plans last May to hand over M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, provided Kyiv would not use them for targets within Russian territory. He set the condition to avoid the escalation of the Ukraine war.
The United States is working to develop solutions for Ukraine, including developing Harpoon missiles that can be launched from ships.
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