$200M in U.S. assistance to be spent on Ukraine's defense - Blinken

An additional $200 million support package announced by U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday will include further defensive assistance to help Ukraine meet the armored, airborne, and other threats it is facing.

That's according to a statement by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, published on the website of the State Department, Ukrinform reports.

"This package will include further defensive assistance to help Ukraine meet the armored, airborne, and other threats it is facing," the statement said.

Blinken also saluted the armed forces of Ukraine and all Ukrainian citizens "who are defending their country with great skill, iron will, and profound courage." He stressed that the U.S. and its allies support their efforts to defend their country and protect their fellow citizens, and urge Russia to recognize that force will never defeat Ukraine's spirit.

"We are committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and will continue to provide Ukraine the support it needs," he said.

Blinken also stressed that the United States will also continue to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need and to back the people of Ukraine in their fight for their country through security and economic assistance.

"The international community is united and determined to hold Putin accountable," he said.

On March 12, U.S. President Joe Biden issued a memorandum authorizing the allocation of an additional $200 million from the state budget in aid to Ukraine.