New military aid package will help protect grain ports in Ukraine - White House

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said this at a briefing in Washington on Wednesday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"These capabilities [announced in the new package] will become increasingly important, especially now that Russia has pulled out of the grain deal and renewed attacks on port cities, as we have seen over the past two days," she said.

She recalled that among many types of weapons and equipment, the new aid package includes, among other things, means for ensuring the security of ports and harbors, which should strengthen the security of the Ukrainian port infrastructure.

Jean-Pierre also said that the United States would continue to support Ukraine's efforts to ensure access of Ukrainian grain to international markets. In this regard, she recalled the statement by USAID Administrator Samantha Power regarding the U.S. intention to allocate hundreds of millions of dollars to support Ukrainian agricultural enterprises, provide loans, grants for businesses, etc.

In addition, she noted the contribution of other countries in the region, particularly Romania, to improving land access for Ukrainian grain to international markets.

Therefore, the United States will continue to help Ukraine not only in the short term, but also in the long term, Jean-Pierre said.