UPDATE 2 - Biden announces new $2.98 billion in military aid to Ukraine

ADDS DETAILS ON ARMS PACKAGE, ADDS TO LEDE, EDITS

By Burak Bir, Seda Sevencan and Michael Hernandez

ANKARA (AA) - US President Joe Biden announced Wednesday new weapons and defense support to Kyiv worth $2.98 billion as Ukraine marked its independence from the former Soviet Union amid Russia's ongoing war.

"I am proud to announce our biggest tranche of security assistance to date: approximately $2.98 billion of weapons and equipment to be provided through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative," he said in a statement.

Biden congratulated the Ukrainian people for their "extraordinary courage and dedication to freedom" against Russia's war on Kyiv on Independence Day which is celebrated Aug. 24.

"And today is not only a celebration of the past, but a resounding affirmation that Ukraine proudly remains – and will remain – a sovereign and independent nation," he stated.

The president reiterated the US commitment to support Ukrainians to defend their country and said the aid “will allow Ukraine to acquire air defense systems, artillery systems and munitions, counter-unmanned aerial systems, and radars to ensure it can continue to defend itself over the long term.”

The new tranche of military assistance includes six National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and additional ammunition, up to 245,000 rounds of 155mm artillery ammunition, as much as 65,000 rounds of 120mm mortar ammunition and up to 24 counter-artillery radars, the Pentagon said in a statement.

Also included are Puma drones and support equipment for already-provided Scan Eagle drones, as well as VAMPIRE counter-drone weapons and laser-guided rockets. Funding is also included for training Ukrainian forces and maintaining and sustaining provided equipment.

The US has provided $13.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine since January 2021, with the bulk coming after the Kremlin began its war against Kyiv in February.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later expressed his gratitude to Biden and the American people “for the powerful congratulations on Ukraine’s Independence Day – an unprecedented package of security assistance of almost $3 billion.”

“The people of Ukraine, all our defenders highly appreciate the US' unwavering support. Together we will win!” he said on Twitter.