‘We will not waver’: Biden unveils new Ukraine aid

While the Pentagon chief was rallying more international support for Ukraine in Brussels, President Joe Biden reaffirmed the U.S. commitment at home.

Biden said Wednesday the U.S. would contribute an additional $1 billion in security assistance and $225 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine following a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Biden said the new package includes more artillery and coastal defense weapons, along with ammunition to boost Ukrainian efforts to defend the Donbas region from a fierce Russian attack. The humanitarian part of the package is earmarked for providing drinking water, medical care, food, shelter and other needs.

“The bravery, resilience, and determination of the Ukrainian people continues to inspire the world,” Biden said in a statement. “And the United States, together with our allies and partners, will not waver in our commitment to the Ukrainian people as they fight for their freedom.”

Lloyd Austin, speaking at NATO headquarters in Brussels earlier, noted that the U.S. and its allies recently provided long-range rocket-assisted artillery but said more help was needed because Ukraine “is facing a pivotal moment on the battlefield.”

The request for more firepower comes amid revelations that Moscow could be increasing its own defense spending by 20% to combat a war that shows no signs of ending soon.

“Russia is using its long-range fires to try to overwhelm Ukrainian positions, and Russia continues to indiscriminately bombard Ukraine’s sovereign territory and recklessly endanger Ukrainian civilians,” Austin said. “So we must intensify our shared commitment to Ukraine’s self-defense.”