Biden Talks with Zelensky "Additional Weapon Support Worth 890 Billion"

Reports of Signs North Korea Preparing Nuclear Attack... "Severe Consequences Will Follow"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] U.S. President Joe Biden announced a new security assistance package worth $625 million (approximately 892.5 billion KRW) to provide additional weapons support to Ukraine. This decision to supply additional weapons came amid heightened nuclear threats as Russia was observed moving its nuclear forces toward the Ukrainian border.

According to the U.S. political news outlet Politico on the 4th (local time), President Biden made this announcement during a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

President Biden reiterated that the United States will never recognize Russia's annexation of Ukrainian territory and reaffirmed U.S. support against Russia's attempts to annex occupied Ukrainian regions.

He also emphasized that the U.S. is prepared to impose severe consequences on any individuals, groups, or countries supporting Russia's annexation attempts.

The additional weapons to be provided to Ukraine include four High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) ? the longest-range weapons the U.S. has supplied so far ? along with related ammunition, 16 155mm howitzers, and 75,000 artillery shells.

Also included are 500 precision-guided 155mm shells and 1,000 155mm shells designed for anti-tank mine deployment.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, the total U.S. military aid to Ukraine has reached $17.5 billion.

Politico reported that this call took place following Russian President Vladimir Putin's declaration of annexation of four occupied Ukrainian regions.

Hours after Putin's annexation announcement, President Biden issued a statement condemning Russia's fraudulent attempt and announced new sanctions targeting individuals and groups inside and outside Russia who provide political and economic support for the annexation attempt.

The British daily The Times reported the previous day that Russia is moving personnel and equipment of its nuclear forces toward the Ukrainian border. There is also speculation that the Russian military might use tactical nuclear weapons near the Ukrainian border or the Black Sea coast or conduct tests of ultra-powerful nuclear torpedoes near the Arctic Ocean.

Western media and military experts assess that while the risk of Putin deploying nuclear weapons is low, recent setbacks on the Ukrainian front may lead to an escalation of nuclear signaling by Russia.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated in a release, "From Russia's sham referendums and annexation attempts to its brutality against civilians in Ukrainian territory, recent developments only strengthen our resolve."

Regarding the additional weapons support, he said, "The capabilities we provide are carefully calibrated to make a significant difference on the battlefield and to strengthen Ukraine’s position at the negotiating table at the right time. We stand with the people of Ukraine."