UPDATE - White House announces additional $1.1 billion in security aid for Ukraine

ADDS PENTAGON STATEMENT

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US is providing Ukraine with an additional $1.1 billion package of weapons and equipment, the White House spokeswoman said Wednesday.

The aid is being delivered through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at a news conference.

It includes the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, also known as HIMARS, which she said Ukraine has used effectively on the battlefield, as well as hundreds of armored vehicles, radars and counter-drone systems.

"We will not be deterred from supporting Ukraine, we will continue to stand with the Ukrainian people and provide them with the security assistance they need to defend themselves for as long as it takes," she said.

In a statement, Pentagon detailed the aid, putting the number of HIMARS at 18 and associated ammunition.

Aid also includes 150 Armored High Mobility Multipurpose vehicles, 150 tactical vehicles to tow weapons, 40 trucks and 80 trailers to transport heavy equipment, two radars for Unmanned Aerial Systems, 20 multi-mission radars, tactical secure communications systems, surveillance systems and optics and explosive ordnance disposal equipment as well as body armor and other field equipment.

"In total, the United States has now committed approximately $16.9 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since January 2021," said the statement. "Since 2014, the United States has committed approximately $19 billion in security assistance to Ukraine more than $16.2 billion since the beginning of Russia’s unprovoked and brutal invasion on February 24".

The new aid came amid controversial referendums by Russia in Ukraine's occupied territories.

Moscow claims more than 98% of voters chose to join Russia following referendums in the Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

The votes have been widely condemned by the international community, with European nations and the US terming them a "sham" and saying they will not be recognized.