This is the largest military aid package for Ukraine to date and includes air defense interceptors, artillery systems and munitions, armored vehicles, and maintenance and sustainment supplies.

The announcement comes after a $1 billion aid package was announced earlier in the week.

Ukraine is requesting more air defense systems from Western allies to protect against attacks on civilian infrastructure.

The latest US assistance includes interceptors for Patriot and NASAMS systems, but it will take longer to arrive as the equipment will be procured from the defense industry rather than drawn from existing stocks.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed frustration over the delay in US approval, stating that Russian forces have gained ground during the wait.

He emphasized the need for sufficient and timely support from allies to stabilize the front and achieve Ukrainian goals in the war.

A senior US defense official has stated that Ukrainian forces have been conserving their ammunition and capabilities due to limited resources.

New aid from the US and other countries will help Ukraine regain the offensive, but it will be a gradual process.

The Ukrainians will need to rebuild and integrate new supplies before launching large-scale offensives.

The US has been a major military supporter of Ukraine since the 2022 invasion, providing tens of billions of dollars in aid.

However, the US had only announced new aid on one other occasion this year, a $300 million package in March, which was made possible by cost savings on other purchases.

Congress, after much debate and delay, approved a $95 billion aid package last week, with $61 billion earmarked for Ukraine.

The House passed the legislation on April 20, followed by the Senate on Tuesday, and President Biden signed it into law on Wednesday.

The funding had been held up for nearly a year and a half due to political squabbles in Congress.