WASHINGTON, 17 March 2022, (TON): President Biden announced new military assistance for Ukraine that will include anti-aircraft defenses, drones and other weaponry, offering fresh U.S. support to in the wake of an urgent plea from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Biden announced $800 million in new assistance for Ukraine, which, paired with $200 million authorized over the weekend, brings the total new aid for the country to $1 billion over the past week.

The new aid will help provide 800 anti-aircraft systems to combat Russian planes; 9,000 anti-armor systems to help destroy Russian tanks and armored vehicles; 7,000 small arms such as machine guns and shotguns; and a total of 20 million rounds that inclu-des artillery and mortar.

Biden said “I want to be honest with you: this could be a long and difficult battle.”

Biden added “we are united in our abhorrence of Putin’s depraved onslaught, and we’re going to continue to have Ukraine’s backs as they fight for their freedom, their democracy, their very survival.”

 “And we’re going to give Ukraine the arms to fight and defend themselves through all the difficult days ahead.”