U.S. announces new $2.5 billion aid package for Ukraine. What's included?

This was reported by the White House.

"Today, I am proud to announce nearly $2.5 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, as the Ukrainian people continue to defend their independence and freedom from Russian aggression," Biden said.

The package includes an additional $1.25 billion for Ukraine’s military and $1.22 billion under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).

According to him, the funds will give Ukraine "an immediate influx of capabilities that it continues to use to great effect on the battlefield and longer-term supplies of air defense, artillery, and other critical weapons systems."

"As I committed earlier this year, the Department of Defense has now allocated all remaining USAI funds appropriated by Congress in the supplemental that I signed in April, and my Administration is fully utilizing the funding appropriated by Congress to support the drawdown of U.S. equipment for Ukraine," Biden added.

Additionally, the President directed his administration to keep ramping up assistance to Ukraine, "including drawing down older U.S. equipment for Ukraine, rapidly delivering it to the battlefield, and then revitalizing the U.S. defense industrial base to modernize and replenish our stockpiles with new weapons."

"The Department of Defense is in the process of delivering hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of rockets, and hundreds of armored vehicles which will strengthen Ukraine’s hand as it heads into the winter.  At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraine’s position in this war over the remainder of my time in office," he concluded.

The aid package includes:

• Ammunition to counter drones
• Air defense ammunition
• HIMARS rocket system shells
• 155 mm and 105 mm artillery shells
• Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems
• TOW missiles
• Various types of explosives, grenades, and demolition equipment
• Communication gear, training, and spare parts

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the U.S. for its continued support, especially as Russia intensifies its attacks. He called this aid crucial for Ukraine’s defense and praised the solidarity shown by the U.S. and other partners. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine’s fight for freedom is strengthened by this support and stressed the importance of continued collaboration to achieve peace in the future.

The new package is part of ongoing U.S. efforts to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty and push back Russian forces, with a focus on the importance of strength, unity, and resilience in the face of aggression.

• A day earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine expected an "important decision" from the United States on military support on Monday, December 30.