US pledges $2 bn in Ukraine security aid on invasion anniversary

The United States announced $2 billion in additional security assistance for Kyiv, the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The aid includes ammunition for the Himars precision rocket system, 155 mm artillery rounds, drone and counter-drone systems, mine clearing equipment, and funding for training and maintenance, the Pentagon said.

Items in the package -- which does not feature some capabilities that Ukraine is seeking, such as Western warplanes and longer-range missiles -- will be purchased from the defence industry instead of drawn from US stocks, meaning they will take longer to get to Kyiv's forces.

The United States has spearheaded the push for international support for Ukraine, quickly forging an international coalition to back Kyiv after Russia invaded in February 2022 and coordinating aid from dozens of countries.

Washington has committed more than $32 billion in security assistance over the past year, while other countries have promised more than $20 billion.

Aid for Ukraine has covered almost all types of military equipment, from uniforms, small arms and ammunition to artillery rocket systems, air defences and armoured vehicles.

Kyiv has pushed for some items that its international supporters have been reluctant to provide, including Patriot air defence systems and advanced heavy tanks -- which were eventually promised -- and others such as Western fighter aircraft, which have not been so far.