Biden Announces $800Mln in New US Security Assistance for Ukraine

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced an additional $800 million in new security assistance for Ukraine that includes anti-aircraft and anti-armor systems.

"I'm once again using my presidential authority to activate additional security assistance to continue to help Ukraine fend off Russia's assault, an additional $800 million in assistance," Biden said during a press conference.

The new security package includes 800 anti-aircraft systems, 9,000 anti-armor systems, 7,000 small arms such as machine guns, shotguns and grenade launchers, Biden said.

Biden said the United States will also provide Ukraine with drones and possibly longer range anti-aircraft systems.

The White House issued a press release saying the latest US security package will include 800 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, 1,000 light anti-armor weapons, 2,000 Javelin missiles, 6,000 AT-4 anti-armor systems, 100 tactical unmanned aerial systems, 25,000 sets of body armor and helmets.

Biden said the United States has already provided Ukraine with hundreds of anti-aircraft systems, thousands of anti-tank weapons, transport helicopters, armed patrol boats, radar systems that help track incoming artillery and unmanned drones, secure communications equipment, tactical gear, satellite imagery and analysis capacity.

The Biden administration has provided Ukraine with $2 billion in assistance.

Ukraine-Russia Conflict Could Be 'Long and Difficult' Battle

Following the announcement, Biden said that the between Russia and Ukraine could be a long and difficult battle as the United States and its partners continue to provide Kiev with defense and other assistance.

“Now, I want to be honest with you, this could be a long and difficult battle, but the American people will be steadfast in our support of the people of Ukraine in the face of [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s immoral, unethical attacks on civilian populations,” Biden said.

The United States, NATO and other partner nations have increased shipments of defense, economic and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, as well as performed force posture changes on the alliance's eastern flank in recent weeks.

On February 24, Russia undertook a special operation to demilitarize and de-Nazify Ukraine after the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics requested help to defend them from intensifying attacks by Ukrainian troops. The Russian Defense Ministry said the operation is intended to neutralize the Ukrainian military infrastructure and civilians are not in danger.