The funds released are separate from the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), under which Biden has been able to order transfers of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine's forces from existing US military stockpiles.

US security assistance is shifting to a longer-term campaign that will likely keep more American military troops in Europe into the future, including imminent plans to announce an additional roughly $3 billion in aid to train and equip Ukrainian forces to fight for years to come.
US security assistance is shifting to a longer-term campaign that will likely keep more American military troops in Europe into the future, including imminent plans to announce an additional roughly $3 billion in aid to train and equip Ukrainian forces to fight for years to come. (Reuters)

President Joe Biden has announced nearly $3 billion in military aid to Kiev — the biggest US package so far — to mark Ukraine's independence day, six months after Russia's special military operation.

In a statement on Wednesday, Biden signalled the firmness of Washington's commitment to Ukraine's struggle, saying the $2.98 billion for arms and other equipment aimed "to ensure it can continue to defend itself over the long term."

The new funds will be for air defence systems, artillery and the much-in-demand ammunition for those systems, as well as radars and systems to counter Russian drones, Biden said.

Congratulating Ukraine on its independence, which was declared from Soviet Union in 1991, Biden said the US "is committed to supporting the people of Ukraine as they continue the fight to defend their sovereignty."

"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."

READ MORE: Türkiye: Grain deal could restart Russia-Ukraine negotiations

'We stand with the Ukrainian people'

Biden also hailed Ukraine's resistance against Russia's operation, which President Vladimir Putin launched on February 24.

Thousands of soldiers on both sides and thousands of civilians have died in the largest-scale battles seen in Europe since World War II. 

"Six months of relentless attacks have only strengthened Ukrainians' pride in themselves, in their country, and in their thirty-one years of independence," Biden said.

"Today and every day, we stand with the Ukrainian people."

However, despite rumours of a Ukrainian counter-offensive to try and retake large portions of occupied territory in the south, the battle lines remain largely frozen, indicating a possibly lengthy test of resolve for both sides, and also for Ukraine's Western backers.

On Friday, the Pentagon announced the latest package under the PDA: $775 million worth of various missiles, artillery, and anti-armour weapons and ammunition, as well as a fleet of armed mine-removal vehicles.

READ MORE: Erdogan: Return of Crimea to Ukraine a requirement under international law

Source: AFP