The US on Friday announced a $2.1 billion military aid package for Ukraine, just days after Kyiv appeared to be beginning its long-awaited counter-offensive aimed at driving Russia out of the country.
The package also included missiles for Patriot air defence systems, artillery rounds, drones and laser-guided rocket system munitions.
The new weapons illustrate the continuing commitment to both Ukraine's critical near-term capabilities and the enduring capacity of Ukraine's Armed Forces to defend its territory and deter Russian aggression over the long term, the Pentagon said in a statement.
It took to US $40.4 billion the value of military supplies the United States has provided to Ukraine since early 2021, most of it since Russia invaded the country on February 24, 2022.
It came at a crucial moment in the war. Ukraine is stockpiling weapons and training forces in preparation for a likely land campaign to force Russian troops to withdraw from large parts of southeastern and southern Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared Friday that the offensive has begun, amid reports that Ukrainian troops have launched assaults at three key points along the long front.