U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated America’s "unwavering support for the people of Ukraine" in a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on August 23, the eve of Ukraine's Independence Day.
Biden made the comments in a statement that also announced a new package of military aid for Ukraine that includes air-defense missiles, equipment to counter drones, anti-armor missiles, and ammunition.
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News reports quoting an unidentified U.S. official said the package is worth $125 million, although the White House statement didn't provide a figure.
Earlier on August 23, the United States announced new sanctions on nearly 400 entities and individuals who Washington says are enabling Russia's illegal war and supploying Russian military industries.
"These actions build on a series of historic steps we have taken with our Allies and partners over the last few months to support Ukraine -- from transferring F-16 fighter jets, to committing to deliver hundreds of air defense interceptors over the next year, to quickly surging security assistance to the frontlines following the passing of our National Security Bill," Biden said in the statement.
Zelenskiy said Ukraine is in critical need of the new U.S. military aid, especially air defense, Zelenskiy's office said.
Zelenskiy earlier on August 23 urged his country's Western partners to deliver promised military support, saying in his evening address that on the front lines "we fight with shells and equipment, not with words like 'tomorrow' or 'soon.'"
Ukraine is waiting for packages with weapons or equipment "that have been announced and decided upon but not yet delivered," he said.
Biden praised Ukraine for repelling "Russia's vicious onslaught" and remaining "unbowed in the face of Russia's heinous war crimes and atrocities." Day after day, he said, Ukrainians "have defended the values that unite people across both of our nations and around the world -- including independence."
Biden also reiterated that the United States and its allies and partners "will continue to stand with [Ukraine] every step of the way." He said that "when the war began, Ukraine was a free country. It still is today and will be when the war ends."