US announces new Ukraine aid, Russia sanctions on war anniversary

The United States has announced a new, $2bn military aid package to Ukraine and issued a new sanctions targeting Russia’s metals and mining sector and financial institutions, as well as international firms with alleged ties to Moscow’s push to evade previous sanctions.

The two separate US moves on Friday coincided with the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and underscored the US strategy of backing Kyiv in the war.

“The United States stands strongly with Ukraine as it defends itself, and we will continue to do so until Ukraine’s sovereignty is respected and the people of Ukraine can shape their chosen, democratic future in freedom and peace,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on Friday.

The new aid package includes ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), artillery rounds, drones, secure communication equipment and funding for “training, maintenance, and sustainment”, the Pentagon said.

“The United States will continue to work with its Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security assistance requirements for as long as it takes,” it added in a statement.

Russian officials have said that sending arms to Ukraine prolongs and intensifies the conflict.