US President Joe Biden pledged over $3 billion in fresh military aid to Ukraine, including anti-aircraft missiles, artillery, anti-drone defences, and radar technology.

The massive military aid package raises the US total to about $13 billion granted or guaranteed to Kyiv during the Biden administration. The new package was unveiled on the anniversary of the country’s independence and ahead of an expected Ukrainian counter-offensive against Russian-occupied territory.

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“The United States of America is committed to supporting the people of Ukraine as they continue the fight to defend their sovereignty,” Biden stated.

“As part of that commitment, I am proud to announce our biggest tranche of security assistance to date: approximately $2.98bn of weapons and equipment to be provided through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. This will allow Ukraine to acquire air defence systems, artillery systems and munitions, counter-unmanned aerial systems, and radars to ensure it can continue to defend itself over the long term,” the statement added.

The drone defences are especially important because Russian forces, facing low morale, general weariness, and extensive equipment shortages, have boosted their use of unmanned aircraft, an area in which Iran is assisting them.

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In June, Russian diplomats witnessed a demonstration of Iranian drones, and US officials believe Russians are being trained to deploy them within Iran.

The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, expressed gratitude for the latest assistance, which includes some of the weapons he has sought.

“The people of Ukraine, all our defenders highly appreciate [the USA’s] unwavering support. Together we will win!” In a tweet, Zelenskiy stated.

According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the US has “demonstrated that we will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes,” and a recent poll by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs found minimal evidence of “Ukraine fatigue” among US voters.

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Nearly three-quarters of Americans polled supported expanding military aid to Ukraine. Fifty-eight percent agreed with the assertion that the US should help Ukraine “for as long as it takes, even if American households will have to pay higher gas and food prices as a consequence.” And 38% felt the US should send soldiers to Ukraine to combat the Russians, which Biden has said he will not do.

On most subjects, there was little difference in opinion between Democrats and Republicans, making it one of the few issues that does not divide the country. That degree of bipartisan support could become crucial if Republicans retake control of the House of Representatives in the November elections.