Biden seeks extra $33bn in Ukraine’s ‘fight for freedom’

JOE BIDEN said the United States has sent Ukraine 10 anti-tank weapons for every Russian tank as he asked Congress for an extra $33billion (£26billion) to help support Kyiv.

It represents a massive escalation in funding for the Ukraine effort, more than twice the $13.6 billion in aid approved last month.

The move is a signal that Washington is preparing to mount a robust, longterm campaign to bolster Kyiv and weaken Moscow.

The White House said the US President’s new funding proposal was expected to support Ukraine’s needs for five months.

Mr Biden said: “The cost of this fight is not cheap, but caving to aggression is going to be more costly.

“We need this to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom.”

He said it did not mean the US was “attacking Russia” after the Kremlin this week said America was “pouring oil on the fire” of the conflict and had created a “proxy war” between the West and Russia.

Mr Biden said: “We’re not attacking Russia. We are helping Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression.”

He also criticised Moscow for making “irresponsible” and “idle comments” on the possible use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

The 79-year-old said the language showed Russia’s “desperation”.

“No one should be making idle comments about the use of nuclear weapons or the possibility that they would use that. It’s irresponsible,” Mr Biden said.

He also promised the US would not let Russia use “gas blackmail” to pressure European allies.

“We will not let Russia intimidate or blackmail their way out of these sanctions,” he said.

“We will not allow them to use their oil and gas to avoid consequences for their aggression.”

‘The cost of this fight is not cheap but caving to aggression is going to be more costly’

Mr Biden said the US has already “provided 10 anti-armour systems for every Russian tank that is in Ukraine –10 to 1”.

The $33billion war chest would include more than $20 billion for weapons, ammunition and other military assistance, $8.5billion in economic assistance, and $3billion in humanitarian aid.

The US President said he also wants the ability to seize more money from Russian oligarchs and give the cash to Ukraine to pay for the war.