Biden announces millions in new aid and a ban on Russian-affiliated ships
President Biden on Thursday announced a ban on
Russian-affiliated ships from U.S. ports and said he would send
$800 million more in military resources to
help Ukrainian forces — a package that includes heavy artillery and tactical drones.
Biden also announced the
United States would provide an additional
$500 million in direct economic assistance to the
Ukrainian government.
Biden described the help as the
“latest steps we’re taking to support the people of Ukraine and to hold Putin accountable for his brutal and bloody war.”
The latest announcement comes amid what
Biden called a
“critical window” as Russia prepares for a next phase of war.
Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier called his country’s military offensive in the key port city of
Mariupol a success, and said he ordered his forces not to storm the plant where
pro-Ukrainian troops are stationed and where civilians have sought shelter.
