Biden says he will send another $1 billion weapons package to Ukraine following call with Zelensky

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden announced plans to send an additional $1 billion weapons package to Ukraine that will replenish the country's supply of ammunition, artillery, and weapons to defend its coasts.

The president added that he will send $225 million in humanitarian aid to provide the people of the war-torn country with clean drinking water, medical supplies, and food. 

In a written statement from Biden, he said he spoke Wednesday morning with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky for about 40 minutes, during which time he informed him about the additional aid.

"I reaffirmed my commitment that the United States will stand by Ukraine as it defends its democracy and support its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of unprovoked Russian aggression," read Biden's statement.

The U.S. has, thus far, sent billions (including a $40 billion aid package passed last month by Congress) in weaponry, humanitarian, and economic assistance to the country that remains under siege by Russia. A more recent weapons package to Ukraine included advanced rocket systems to continue fending off Russian troops from the country's eastern flank. Administration officials said they received word from Ukraine that the rockets would not be used against targets inside of Russia. 

This week, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley are meeting in Brussels with members of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.