US commits $2 billion in drones, ammunition and aid to Ukraine

The U.S. on Friday, the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, commits $2 billion in drones, ammunition and aid to the Ukraine government, the Pentagon announced.

The aid comes days after Biden's surprise visit last weekend to Kyiv in which he told President Volodymyr Zelensky, "Americans stand with you and the world stands with you."

The aid package includes counter weapons to Russia's unmanned systems and drones, including the Switchblade 600 Kamikaze drone, and electronic-warfare-detection equipment.

The assistance also provides funds for training, maintenance and sustainment of the military equipment to counter Russia's aggression. 

The U.S has now spent over $32 billion on security assistance for Ukraine since Russia launched its full fledged war on Ukraine. 

"We have done all this with bipartisan backing in Congress and with the proud support of the American people," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said.

Since meeting Zelenskyy in April 2022, Austin has enforced monthly meetings with military leaders from both countries to ensure the U.S. provides unwavering assistance for Ukraine. 

The equipment could take up to two years to reach the battlefront and wont be helpful in the short term, according to the Associated Press.