Barcelona: US President Joe Biden marked the six-month anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by announcing a new arms package worth nearly $3 billion — the largest single military aid package to date and with this, US aid to Ukraine jumps to nearly $13 billion.

The $2.98 billion-dollar tranche, provided through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), also marks Ukraine’s independence day. Biden said in a statement the package “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.

“I know this independence day is bittersweet for many Ukrainians as thousands have been killed or wounded, millions have been displaced from their homes, and so many others have fallen victim to Russian atrocities and attacks,” Biden continued. “But six months of relentless attacks have only strengthened Ukrainians’ pride in themselves, in their country, and in their thirty-one years of independence.”

In his statement, Biden said, “The United States of America is committed to supporting the people of Ukraine as they continue the fight to defend their sovereignty. […] Over the past six months, Ukrainians have inspired the world with their extraordinary courage and dedication to freedom.

“They have stood resolute and strong in the face of Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine. And today is not only a celebration of the past, but a resounding affirmation that Ukraine proudly remains — and will remain — a sovereign and independent nation.”