Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived to Kiev on Thursday for a surprise visit. It is his second visit to Ukraine since the Russian invasion that started in February. The meeting coincides with the Biden Administration's announcement of a new $2.2 billion military aid package for Ukraine and 18 other European countries.
I have directed a $675 million drawdown of arms and equipment from @DeptofDefense stockpiles for Ukraine, as well as an additional $2.2 billion to support long-term defense investments in Ukraine and 18 neighbors. The United States continues to be #UnitedWithUkraine.
- Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) September 8, 2022
The announcement comes hours after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed from Germany approval of another $675 million in heavy weaponry for Ukrainian forces. The aid package, separate from the funding announced by Blinken, will provide Ukraine with everything from artillery to anti-tank systems at a time considered key in the war with Russia.
The funding increase comes a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin said it is "impossible to isolate Russia" and threatened European countries with gas supply cuts.
The Associated Press reported that the contributions announced on Thursday bring the total U.S. aid to Ukraine up to $15.2 billion throughout Biden's time in office.