US confirms $3bn in fresh aid to Ukraine

US President Joe Biden confirms the US is sending Ukraine nearly $3bn (£2.5bn) in a fresh package of weapons and equipment.

It’s the biggest tranche of American security assistance sent to Kyiv to date, a statement from Biden says.

He adds that the money will allow Ukraine to acquire air-defence and artillery systems and munitions, as well as radars and other hardware.

On the six-month anniversary of the invasion, Biden says Ukrainians have “inspired the world with their extraordinary courage and dedication to freedom”.

Ukraine will remain a “sovereign and independent nation”, he adds.