President Biden told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Wednesday that the U.S. will send another $500 million in “direct budgetary aid” to the war-torn country.
In a 55-minute phone call, the leaders discussed “the ongoing work by the United States and its allies and partners to deliver military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine,” the White House said in a readout of the conversation. Zelensky also updated Biden on the status of talks with Russia, which invaded Ukraine last month.
The $500 million can be used as Ukraine sees fit, with potential uses including humanitarian aid, government services and military efforts. The money comes on top of roughly $2 billion in humanitarian aid the U.S. has pledged for Ukraine since the invasion. Earlier this month, Congress provided a total of $13.6 billion in aid in its 2022 spending package as part of its response to the war in Ukraine.
