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US President Joe Biden has offered a new $625 million security aid package to Ukraine, amid warnings from Moscow that such a move could lead to direct military confrontation between Russia and the West.
The US package will include the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (Himars) launchers used in Ukraine's successful counteroffensive that recently forced the Russian military to retreat.
Biden emphasised that Washington would never accept Russia's annexation of Ukrainian land during a phone discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Vice President Kamala Harris, the White House stated in a statement.
For as long as it takes, Biden "promised to continue backing Ukraine as it defends itself from Russian aggression," the statement continued.
The aid package is the second Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) after Ukraine made significant battlefield victories in mid-September and the first since Russia most recently declared its takeover of Ukrainian territory.
Russia's ambassador to the US responded sharply, stating that Biden's offer increased the likelihood of a direct military confrontation between Russia and the West.
Ambassador Anatoly Antonov urged Washington to halt "provocative acts" that could have "severe effects" on the Telegram chat app.
He stated, "We view this as an immediate threat to our nation's strategic interests.
Following what it referred to as referendums in Ukraine's seized regions, Russia declared annexations last week. The ballots, according to Western nations and Kiev, violated international law and were coerced and unrepresentative.
Four HIMARS launchers and related rockets, 32 Howitzers with 75,000 rounds of ammo, 200 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, and Claymore anti-personnel mines are included in the package, according to an announcement from the State Department.
The accuracy and greater range of the HIMARS launchers, made by Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N), have helped Kiev to lessen Russia's edge in artillery.
The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that "recent developments from Russia's phoney referenda and attempted annexation to new disclosures of violence against civilians in Ukrainian area once controlled by Russia further strengthens our commitment."
A $1.1 billion arms package for Ukraine was presented by the US last week. It comprised 18 HIMARS launcher systems, supplemental ammunition, various counter-drone devices, and radar equipment.
However, the aid package from last week was paid for by the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), thus the government cannot simply obtain the weaponry from the U.S. government's existing stockpiles.
The US has already promised Ukraine 20 HIMARS launchers via PDA.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, more than $16.8 billion in security aid has been provided by the United States.
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