US President Joe Biden signed into law on Wednesday a foreign aid package that includes support for Ukraine worth more than 60 billion dollars. The move comes after months of haggling by lawmakers.
Speaking from the White House, Biden said, "It's a good day for America. It's a good day for Europe. It's a good day for world peace. For real -- this is consequential."
He added that the measures make America, and the world, safer.
Biden approved an initial shipment of armored vehicles and ammunition for air defenses, artillery and rocket systems worth 1 billion dollars. He said it will ensure that the deliveries start "right away."
Ukrainian leaders say they will do everything to make up for lost time.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, "I am grateful to President Biden and Congress, to all Americans who feel the need to knock the ground out from under the feet of Putin."
Russian leaders said the shipments will not change the situation on the frontlines. They have already promised to target the bases that house US weapons.