Joe Biden asks Congress to bankroll support for Ukrainian government

President Joe Biden (Andrew Harnik/AP)

President Joe Biden asked the US Congress for an additional 33 billion US dollars to help Ukraine fend off Russia’s invasion, a signal that the US is prepared to mount a robust, long-term campaign to bolster Kyiv and weaken Moscow as the bloody war enters its third month with no sign of abating.

Mr Biden’s latest proposal, which the White House said was expected to support Ukraine’s needs for five months, has more than 20 billion US dollars in military assistance for Kyiv and for shoring up defences in nearby countries.