U.S. president on Saturday approved defense assistance of $200 million for Ukraine. In a memorandum, Biden accredited Antony Blinken Secretary of State, to use the aid for military,education and training.
After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the US had previously provided approved a relief package of $350 million which included weapons from the U.S.
Humanitarian and security assistance of $13.6 billion in emergency funding for Ukraine was also approved this week by Congress. Also, $3 billion is going to the U.S.Agency for International Development (USAID). To help the refugee outflows from Ukraine Congress also approved $4 billion bill.
The White House on Twitter wrote, “Today President Biden authorized $200 million for additional arms and equipment to Ukraine This unprecedented fourth drawdown in less than one year brings the total U.S. security assistance to Ukraine to over $1.2 billion since January 2021”.
Biden’s decision has brought the total security aid from the U.S. to Ukraine to $3.2 billion since 2014 when Russians annexed the Crimea region of Ukraine.
The U.S Secretary of State also lauded the ” great skill, iron will and profound courage” shown by the citizens of Ukraine and armed forces and also added that the U.S. will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
Russians continue to reiterate that they are engaged in a “special military operation” which is not aimed to occupy the Ukrainian territory but to “de-militarized” it’s neighbour.
One of the U.S. officials said, ” The funds will provide immediate military help to Ukraine, including anti-armor,anti-aircraft systems and small arms in support of Ukraine’s front line defenders”.
Russia also said on Saturday that its troops could target supplies of western military equipment in Ukraine. EU on Friday also seeks to double the financial aid by an extra 500 million euros. President Zelensky also demanded the EU “do more” to help his country in a video message.
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