WASHINGTON − On Thursday, the Biden administration revealed a substantial military aid package for Ukraine, amounting to nearly $8 billion, which will include munitions capable of reaching targets within Russia.

This announcement coincides with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House where he is advocating for the use of long-range precision weapons to strike into Russia, a request that has yet to be granted.

Ukraine aims to target airfields and ammunition storage sites in Russia that have enabled Russian President Vladimir Putin to conduct severe attacks against civilian areas and infrastructure.

President Joe Biden disclosed that over $5 billion worth of weapons would be sent to Ukraine from Pentagon reserves, utilizing authorities provided by Congress ahead of his term’s conclusion in January. Furthermore, the Pentagon will allocate an additional $2.4 billion for air defense systems, drones, and bombs.

A key component of this aid is a long-range bomb called the Joint Standoff Weapon, which can be deployed from aircraft to hit targets up to 80 miles away. The current policy from the White House limits Ukraine’s strikes to targets near the Russian border.

Biden also mentioned an expansion in the training program for Ukrainian F-16 pilots. Initially, the administration was hesitant to provide these fighter jets due to concerns that it might escalate tensions with Putin and lead to a wider conflict.

“For almost three years, the United States has united the world to support the people of Ukraine in their fight for freedom against Russian aggression, and providing Ukraine with the essential assistance to succeed has been a top priority of my administration,” Biden stated.

Since the introduction of advanced weaponry like Abrams tanks and long-range artillery on the battlefield, Putin has not expanded the conflict. The United States has committed over $56 billion in military support to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022.