Biden announces nearly $3B in new military aid for Ukraine

By LOLITA C. BALDOR and MATTHEW LEE
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says he’s sending $2.98 billion in new military aid to Ukraine that will enable forces there to fight for years to come. Biden’s announcement Wednesday comes six months after Russia invaded Ukraine and as Ukraine is celebrating its 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union. The new U.S. aid will train and equip Ukrainian forces for a longer-term fight. The aid includes air defense and artillery systems, drones and other weaponry. U.S. officials say security assistance is shifting to a longer-term campaign that also will likely keep more American military troops in Europe.