Biden to Announce $800 Million in Ukraine Security Aid

The president of United States, Joe Bidenwill announce on Wednesday $800 million in assistance for Ukrainereported a White House official, on the same day that Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky is scheduled to give a speech to US congressmen.

The decision raises “the total (of aid) announced to US$ 1,000 million only in the last week”, the official said on condition of anonymity.

Zelensky is ready to renew his calls for more aid when he addresses Congress virtually, as some lawmakers press the White House to take a harder line on the Russian invasion.

On Saturday, Biden had already authorized $200 million in additional military equipment for Ukraine, in addition to the $350 million authorized on February 26 by Washington.

The official of the White House He did not elaborate on what will be included in the $800 million aid that will be announced on Wednesday.

However, the United States last year provided more than 600 Stinger missiles and some 2,600 Javelin anti-armor systems to Ukraine, along with a variety of radar systems, helicopters, grenade launchers, weapons and ammunition, and other equipment, the official said.

“The United States remains by far the largest single donor of assistance to Ukraine”he added.

Zelensky’s calls to help defend his country from Russia’s deadly assault have grown increasingly desperate, and he has repeatedly urged Washington, the European Union and NATO to provide military equipment, including planes as well as a no-fly zone.

Biden has ruled out the no-fly zone, warning that it could unleash a catastrophic war with nuclear weapons of Russia.

However, there is a growing clamor on both sides of Congress for United States take a more forceful stance.

Zelensky’s speech on Wednesday will be his second to members of Congress this month, and is likely to be a longer audience than the one on March 5, when he called for Russian-made planes to be given to his air force.