WASHINGTON

The US announced an additional $200 million military aid package for Ukraine on Tuesday for its “critical” security and defense needs. 

"America’s commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression is unshakable," US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on X.

The package includes additional air defense capabilities, artillery ammunition, anti-tank weapons and other equipment to help Ukraine counter Russia, according to a statement by the US Department of Defense.

The announcement came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was visiting the White House to meet with his US counterpart Joe Biden.

"I just signed another $200 million drawdown from the Department of Defense for Ukraine, and that will be coming quickly," Biden told reporters during a meeting in the Oval Office with Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy indicated that he was pleased with the military aid, saying: "I am grateful to the US for its unwavering support for Ukraine, including the $200 million military aid package announced today."