New Delhi: United States (US) on Saturday announces to release $350 million in support of Ukraine's security and defence, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
"Today, as Ukraine fights with courage and pride against Russia’s brutal and unprovoked assault, I have authorized, pursuant to a delegation by the President, an unprecedented third Presidential Drawdown of up to $350 million for immediate support to Ukraine’s defence," said Blinken
"Last fall, as the present threat against Ukraine from Russia developed, under authority delegated by the President, I authorized the Department of Defense to provide $60 million in immediate military assistance to Ukraine. In December, as that threat materialized, I authorized a further drawdown worth $200 million," he adds.
The package will include "lethal defensive assistance to help Ukraine address the armoured, airborne, and other threats it is now facing," said Blinken.
With the exception of denying deploying troops to Ukraine, the US had also given Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky the opportunity to evacuate Kyiv as Russian forces approach the capital. That offer, however, was rebuffed by Zelensky, who instead demanded ammo and "not a ride."
The US embassy in Ukraine even issued a warning to Americans that "conditions may deteriorate without warning" and encouraged them to find nearby shelters.
Taking to Twitter, the US embassy said, "The security situation throughout Ukraine remains highly volatile, and conditions may deteriorate without warning. U.S. citizens should remain vigilant and know the location of your closest shelter or protected space."
Earlier, on Friday, the Biden administration announced fresh sanctions against more Russian leaders, including President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. These officials included members of Russia's National Security Council, the Defense Minister, and other high Russian government officials.