Biden asks Congress for $33 billion in new aid package to Ukraine

President Joe Biden asked Congress on Thursday for a total of $33 billion in supplemental aid for Ukraine over the next five months, White House officials said.

President Joe Biden formally asked Congress on Thursday for $33 billion in supplemental aid for Ukraine over the next five months to help counter Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion over the long term.

"The cost of this fight is not cheap. But caving to aggression is going to be more costly if we allow it to happen," Biden said. "It's critical this funding gets approved and approved as quickly as possible."

"We're not attacking Russia. We're helping Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression," he added. "And just as Putin chose to launch this brutal invasion, he could make the choice to end it, this brutal invasion. Russia is the aggressor, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Russia is the aggressor, and the world must and will hold Russia accountable."

Biden said the supplemental budget request will allow weapons and ammunition to flow "without interruption to the brave Ukrainian fighters" and the U.S. to continue delivering economic and humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people, whom he said are paying the real price of this fight with their lives.