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

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US is providing Ukraine with an additional $1.1 billion package of weapons and equipment, 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.

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.