Biden approves $200 Million in arms and equipment for Ukraine

Responding to urgent requests from President Volodymyr Zelensky for more aid to stave off the Russian invasion, US President Joe Biden on Saturday authorized USD 200 million for additional arms and equipment to Ukraine, the White House said.

Taking to Twitter, the White House wrote, "Today, President Biden authorized $200 million for additional arms and equipment to Ukraine. This unprecedented fourth drawdown in less than one year brings the total U.S. security assistance to Ukraine to over $1.2 billion since January 2021.

Biden's decision brings total US security aid provided to Ukraine to USD 1.2 billion since January 2021. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweeted: "I have authorized a drawdown of up to $200 million for additional arms and equipment to Ukraine.This unprecedented fourth drawdown in less than a year will bring total US security assistance provided to Ukraine to more than $1.2 billion since January 2021."

Earlier in the day, Ukraine said that Russian forces fired at a convoy that was evacuating women and children in the Kyiv region, killing seven people including one child.

"Russians shot at a column of women and children in Kyiv region, who were trying to evacuate along a previously agreed "green" corridor. The result of this brutal act – seven dead. One of them is a child," the Ukrainian defence ministry said in a Tweet.

Media outlet The Kyiv Independent reported that the attack took place on March 11 as a column of women and children was leaving the village Peremoha in Kyiv Oblast, using the approved corridor.