Joe Biden
The United States on Wednesday announced a new security assistance package for Ukraine of about $3 billion. It’s the biggest one-time package to date in the 6-month-old war, far exceeding the $1 billion delivery earlier this month, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.
"The United States of America is committed to supporting the people of Ukraine as they continue the fight to defend their sovereignty. As part of that commitment, I am proud to announce our biggest tranche of security assistance to date: approximately $2.98 billion of weapons and equipment to be provided through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative." President Joe Biden said in a statement on Ukraine's Independence Day.
"This will allow Ukraine to acquire air defense systems, artillery systems and munitions, counter-unmanned aerial systems, and radars to ensure it can continue to defend itself over the long term," Biden noted.
The news came as Ukraine and Russia have fought to a stalemate as the harshest weather fast approaches, according to military experts.
Over the past six months, "Ukrainians have inspired the world with their extraordinary courage and dedication to freedom," Biden added.
"They have stood resolute and strong in the face of Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine. And today is not only a celebration of the past, but a resounding affirmation that Ukraine proudly remains – and will remain – a sovereign and independent nation."
Biden added: "I know this independence day is bittersweet for many Ukrainians as thousands have been killed or wounded, millions have been displaced from their homes, and so many others have fallen victim to Russian atrocities and attacks. But 6 months of relentless attacks have only strengthened Ukrainians’ pride in themselves, in their country, and in their thirty-one years of independence."
"Today and every day, we stand with the Ukrainian people to proclaim that the darkness that drives autocracy is no match for the flame of liberty that lights the souls of free people everywhere. The United States, including proud Ukrainian-Americans, looks forward to continuing to celebrate Ukraine as a democratic, independent, sovereign and prosperous state for decades to come," reads the statement.
Alex Raufoglu
Washington D.C.
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