Joe Biden signs off on extra $274m of military aid to Ukraine
US president Joe Biden has authorised an extra $274m of military aid to help Ukraine in its battle against the invading Russians.
US President Joe Biden on Saturday (Sunday AEDT) authorised $US200m ($A274m) in additional military equipment for Ukraine, as Russia widens its bombardment and pummels civilian areas.
Washington had already authorised $US350m of military equipment on February 26 – two days after the Russian invasion – the largest such package in US history.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s pleas for help have grown increasingly desperate, and he has repeatedly urged Washington, the EU and NATO for help.
In a memorandum to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Mr Biden designated “up to an aggregate value of $200m in defence articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Ukraine.”
Russia on Saturday said its troops could target supplies of Western weapons in Ukraine and that the pouring in of weapons would turn convoys “into legitimate targets”.
The latest US authorisation of military aid comes two days after the US State Department ruled out proposals to send MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine via an American base in Germany, saying Kyiv’s efforts to repel the Russian invasion would be better served by the supply of ground-based weapons.
The West has also refused requests by Mr Zelensky to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine to prevent Russian aerial attacks
Washington had $US60m ($A82m) in military assistance to Ukraine last northern autumn, followed by another $US200m in December for weapons and ammunition.
Mr Biden has ruled out direct US action inside Ukraine, warning that the ensuing battle against nuclear-armed Russia would lead to “World War III”.
EU leaders late on Friday, meanwhile, sought to double financing for military aid to Ukraine by an extra €500m ($A750m).
In a video message recorded outside his presidential office in Kyiv, Mr Zelensky demanded the EU “do more” to help his country.
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