Biden announces new $2.98B military aid to Ukraine

By Burak Bir

ANKARA (AA) - US President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced new weapons and defense support to Kyiv worth some $2.98 billion.

"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," he said in a written statement.

Congratulating the Ukrainian people on their Independence Day on Aug. 24, Biden mentioned Ukraine's "extraordinary courage and dedication to freedom" against Russia's war on Kyiv.

"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," he stated.

Reiterating commitments of the US to support Ukrainians in their fight to defend their country, the US president announced the new military aid, worth $2.98 billion.

"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 underlined.