White House announces new aid package for Ukraine, sanctions against Russia

"We will announce new economic, energy, and security assistance to help the Ukrainians continue to succeed on the battlefield, protect its people from Russian aggression, and enable the Ukrainian government to provide basic services such as electricity and heat," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at a press briefing in Washington on Thursday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

She noted that the US was ready to implement "sweeping sanctions against key sectors that generate revenues for Putin." According to Jean-Pierre, the restrictions will be imposed on Russian banks, defense and technology industry of the Russian Federation, and actors in third countries that help to evade previously imposed sanctions.

Washington is expected to make these announcements on Friday, February 24, the anniversary of the beginning of the Russian Federation's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

"As the President made clear in Europe this week, the United States will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes," the White House press secretary emphasized.

On Friday, President Biden will gather with G7 leaders and President Zelensky for a virtual meeting to continue coordinating joint efforts to support Ukraine and hold the Russian Federation accountable for its war.

"The G7 has become anchor of our strong and united response to Russia," Jean-Pierre added.