US President Joe Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, announcing a new round of military aid for Ukraine . The aid package includes air defense missiles, counter-drone equipment, anti-armour missiles, and ammunition for frontline soldiers ¹. This comes ahead of Ukraine’s independence day and as Ukrainian troops launch an attack into Russia’s western Kursk region .
The US has committed over $55 billion in security aid to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022 . Biden stated, “Russia will not prevail in this conflict. The independent people of Ukraine will prevail — and the United States, our allies, and our partners, will continue to stand with them every step of the way” .
Additionally, the US Treasury, State, and Commerce departments announced new sanctions targeting nearly 400 individuals and entities that enable Russia’s war effort and evade sanctions. The sanctions include 60 Russia-based defense and technology firms critical to Russia’s defense industry ¹. The Commerce Department is also restricting the supply of US-made items to Russia and Belarus due to the Kremlin’s illegal war on Ukraine.
