Joe Biden talks to Volodymyr Zelensky, unveils new missiles and air defences for Ukraine
- The US has also targeted nearly 400 individuals and entities inside and outside Russia with sanctions over the invasion
US President Joe Biden spoke to his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday and announced a new round of military aid for Kyiv that the Pentagon valued at US$125 million.
The call between the two leaders came ahead of Ukraine’s independence day, and on the same day that Washington announced sweeping sanctions against hundreds of individuals and companies tied to Russia’s invasion of the country.
“I am proud we will announce a new package of military aid for Ukraine today,” Biden said in a statement.
“The package includes air defence missiles to protect Ukraine’s critical infrastructure; counter-drone equipment and anti-armour missiles to defend against Russia’s evolving tactics on the battlefield; and ammunition for frontline soldiers and the mobile rocket systems that protect them,” he said.
“Russia will not prevail in this conflict. The independent people of Ukraine will prevail – and the United States, our allies, and our partners, will continue to stand with them every step of the way,” Biden added.
The US Defence Department later said the package is worth US$125 million and consists of items drawn from American stocks, providing Kyiv with “additional capabilities to meet its most urgent needs”.