US sanctions $200 million in safety aid to Ukraine in reaction to Russian invasion

The US on Wednesday said that it had authorized an additional $200 million in security aid to Ukraine, which is facing an invasion by Russia.

The administration of President Joe Biden “this month approved the release of $200 million in extra defensive security assistance to our Ukrainian partners,” a senior US official said during a visit to Kyiv by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

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“As we have stated, we are dedicated to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and we will continue to offer Ukraine the assistance it requires,” the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said.

Prior to Russia’s army moves to Ukraine’s borders late last year, the Biden administration provided the nation with $450 million in military aid.

According to a senior US State Department official, the support was approved in late December as part of American efforts to assist Ukraine in self-defense. However, until Wednesday, the government has declined to comment on it. The official was not permitted to speak publicly about the topic before Blinken’s discussions in Kyiv, so he spoke on the condition of anonymity.

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Under an emergency power for nations in jeopardy, Biden approved the increased assistance, which had previously been reported by media sources but had not been formally verified.

The official did not specify what was included in the new package.

The Biden administration has frequently stated that it is prepared to provide military assistance to Ukraine, marking the conclusion of a decade-long change by the US, which was previously concerned about angering Russia.

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Under previous President Donald Trump, security funding to Ukraine became contentious for another reason, as he pressured President Volodymyr Zelensky to dig out dirt on Biden before the 2020 US election.