The Biden administration has unveiled a new $3 billion security assistance package for Ukraine.

The package is being prepared to coincide with Ukraine’s Independence Day, a state holiday commemorating the country’s declaration of independence from the Soviet Union.

“Over the past six months, Ukrainians have inspired the world with their extraordinary courage and dedication to freedom.  They have stood resolute and strong in the face of Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine,” President Joe Biden said in a statement. “And today is not only a celebration of the past, but a resounding affirmation that Ukraine proudly remains—and will remain—a sovereign and independent nation.”

The package, valued at $2.98 billion, will reportedly include Puma, ScanEagle, and British “Project Vampire” intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) drones. Whereas prior U.S. military aid shipments have focused on addressing Ukraine’s immediate battlefield needs, this latest tranche appears geared toward shoring up Kyiv’s medium-term defense posture. Officials told the Washington Post that the package is partly intended to reassure Kyiv that Washington is in it for the long haul when it comes to supporting the Ukrainian war effort.

Biden said today’s Independence Day is “bittersweet” for many Ukrainians, noting the destruction unleashed by Russia’s invasion. “But six months of relentless attacks have only strengthened Ukrainians’ pride in themselves, in their country, and in their thirty-one years of independence. Today and every day, we stand with the Ukrainian people to proclaim that the darkness that drives autocracy is no match for the flame of liberty that lights the souls of free people everywhere,” the president added.

The aid draws on funds from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), which apportioned $6.3 billion in aid to Ukraine. This is the largest U.S. one-time assistance package to Ukraine since the Russian invasion commenced on February 24. The United States has provided $10.6 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden administration, according to data published by the Department of Defense.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday that the war in Ukraine has become a battle of attrition, urging alliance members to stay the course in their support for Kyiv. “Winter is coming. And it will be hard. And what we see now is a grinding war of attrition. This is a battle of wills. And a battle of logistics.” he said. “Therefore, we must sustain our support for Ukraine for the long-term. A strong, stable and independent Ukraine is essential to Euro-Atlantic security. NATO has stood with Ukraine throughout three decades of independence. We stand with Ukraine now. We will continue to stand with Ukraine. For as long as it takes.”

Mark Episkopos is a national security reporter for the National Interest.

Image: Reuters.