Biden demands £26billion to aid Ukraine’s bitter survival battle

JOE Biden yesterday pushed Congress for £26billion to buy arms and humanitarian aid for Ukraine over the next six months.

The funding package to combat Russia’s “brutal aggression” was accompanied by a proposal to lawmakers to amend long-standing rules governing sanctions.

The suggested changes would make it easier for the US to seize the assets of blacklisted Russian oligarchs, sell any seized property and funnel the proceeds to the Ukrainians.

The US President said: “We have to do our part. The cost of this fight is not cheap.We need to continue sending arms.”

Mr Biden said it was vital America gives robust military assistance to combat Russian aggression. He added: “We are not attacking Russia. We are helping Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression.

“Russia is the aggressor and the world will hold it accountable.”

He warned there was horrifying evidence of Putin-inspired war crimes in the invaded nation.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky hailed what he called “a very important step” by the US.

He said: “I am thankful to the American people and personally to President Biden.”

Mr Biden’s words came after Putin warned of “lightning fast” retaliation against any countries that interfere in Ukraine. His forces yesterday continued to

increase their attacks in the east in search of a breakthrough.

The Kremlin’s move to cut off gas to Poland and Bulgaria – both Nato members – also left Europe to confront the prospect of an energy crisis. The conflict is widening into a broader stand-off with Russia over economic sanctions and military shipments.

Putin warned he will use nuclear weapons against anyone who interferes in Ukraine. In the chilling TV address, the despot said: “We have tools no one else can boast of.”

He was referring to the new Sarmat 2 nuclear missile, tested for the first time days ago.