President Biden yesterday announced another aid package for Ukraine that he said would include artillery ammunition, radar and other equipment. “Today, the United States continues our strong support for the brave people of Ukraine as they defend their country against continued aggression from Russia,” the president said in a statement.
In March, Congress authorized $13.6 billion in economic, humanitarian, and security assistance to Ukraine. The White House had previously said the administration had about $250 million left in military assistance.
Biden on Friday asked Congress to quickly approve more aid for Ukraine. The White House has requested $33 billion in additional security, economic, and humanitarian assistance to help Ukraine combat and address the impacts of the conflict. The administration believes that amount of assistance is needed to sustain Ukraine for the next five months.
“With today’s announcement, my Administration has nearly exhausted the funds that can be used to send security assistance through the withdrawal authorities for Ukraine,” Biden said in Friday’s statement announcing the new assistance.
“For Ukraine to succeed in this next phase of the war, its international partners, including the United States, must continue to demonstrate our unity and determination to keep the flow of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, without interruption. Congress must quickly provide the requested funds to strengthen Ukraine on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.”
The Biden administration has sent Ukraine billions in assistance, including heavy weapons, since Russia invaded the country on February 24. Biden last announced an aid package on April 21 totaling $800 million.
The new aid package comes days before Victory Day, the May 9 holiday in which Moscow marks the country’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Russia usually marks the holiday with a massive military parade, but this year some have speculated that President Vladimir Putin could use the day to formally declare war on Ukraine.
