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Inside multi-billion-dollar war chest gifted to Zelensky by US with Patriot missiles and laser-guided bombs
UKRAINE is being sent a huge $2 billion war chest by Joe Biden - including one of the most advanced US air defence systems.
It comes as the US president welcomed Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House on his first known overseas trip since Russia invaded Ukraine 300 days ago.
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It comes as Congress finalises a new package of $45 billion in emergency assistance to Ukraine on top of some $50 billion already sent this year.
Biden has now unveiled almost $2 billion in military supplies.
The stunning war chest being shipped to Ukraine includes the Patriot Air Defence System.
It is considered to be one of the most advanced air defense systems in Biden's arsenal and offers protection against aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles.
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The Patriot typically includes launchers along with radar and other support vehicles.
It is usually in short supply with allies around the world vying for it.
Biden's package includes a $1 billion drawdown to provide Ukraine with "expanded air defence and precision-strike capabilities" and $850 million in security assistance, Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Russia said last week that US plans to supply Patriot missile defence systems to Ukraine were a "provocation" and a further expansion of US military involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
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The Kremlin had said that if delivered, US Patriot missile defence systems would be a legitimate target for Russian strikes against Ukraine.
Blinken said on Wednesday: "Today's assistance for the first time includes the Patriot Air Defence System, capable of bringing down cruise missiles, short-range ballistic missiles, and aircraft at a significantly higher ceiling than previously provided air defence systems."
The aid package also includes ammunition for high-mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS), precision-guided artillery rounds and precision aerial munitions.
Trucks, weapons and AGM-88 HARM missiles and mortar shells will also be sent.
It comes as Zelensky today touched down in Washington DC as he and Biden try to show a unified front against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Biden and first lady Jill Biden greeted Zelensky, who wore casual army green attire, as he got out of his vehicle.
He shook hands with Biden before they went inside for their Oval Office meeting, followed by a news conference.
Later, Zelensky will address Congress.
Zelensky posted on Instagram after he landed: "I am in Washington today to thank the American people, the President and the Congress for their much-needed support.
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"And also to continue cooperation to bring our victory closer."
He said the visit would "strengthen resilience and defence capabilities of Ukraine.
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