Biden marks Ukraine Independence Day with $3 bln package

U.S. President Joe Biden marked Ukraine's Independence Day on Wednesday with $3 billion in security assistance, Washington's largest aid package since Russia's invasion six months ago. read more

The aid, announced on Kyiv's Independence Day, comes as U.S. officials warn that Russia appears to be planning to launch fresh attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure and government facilities in coming days.

"The United States of America is committed to supporting the people of Ukraine as they continue the fight to defend their sovereignty," Biden said in a statement announcing the package, noting Kyiv's "bittersweet"anniversaryof independence from Russian-dominated Soviet rule 31 years ago.

The approximately $2.98 billion in assistance "will allow Ukraine to acquire air defense systems, artillery systems and munitions, counter-unmanned aerial systems, and radars to ensure it can continue to defend itself over the long term," he said.