US President Biden announces further $20 billion of military assistance for Ukraine

President Joe Biden has signed legislation to support Ukraine with another $40 billion (£32 billion) in US assistance, including $20 billion (£16 billion) in military aid.

The new funding comes as the Russian invasion approaches its fourth month and will help to ensure a steady stream of advanced weapons that have been used to blunt Russia's advances.

The legislation, which was passed by Congress with bipartisan support, deepens the US commitment to Ukraine at a time of uncertainty about the war's future.

Ukraine has successfully defended Kyiv, and Russia has refocused its offensive on the country's east, but American officials warn of the potential for a prolonged conflict.

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The funding is intended to support Ukraine through September, and it dwarfs an earlier emergency measure that provided $13.6 billion (£10.9 billion).

There is also $8 billion (£6.4 billion) in general economic support, $5 billion (£4 billion) to address global food shortages that could result from the collapse of Ukrainian agriculture and more than $1 billion (£800 million) to help refugees.

Mr Biden signed the measure under unusual circumstances.

Because he is in the middle of a trip to Asia, a US official brought a copy of the Bill on a commercial flight so the president could sign it, according to a White House official.