WASHINGTON

US President Joe Biden said Friday that he will be sending Ukraine a new military aid package as the embattled nation prepares to mark its Independence Day.

Biden said he spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday "to express America’s unwavering support for the people of Ukraine," lauding Kyiv's actions that "have repelled Russia’s vicious onslaught, including retaking more than half of the territory Russian forces seized in the initial days of the war."

"They have remained unbowed in the face of Russia’s heinous war crimes and atrocities. And day after day, they have defended the values that unite people across both of our nations and around the world – including independence," the president said in a statement.

The new tranche of US military assistance will include air defense missiles, counter-drone equipment, anti-armor missiles, and ammunition, he said.

The US earlier Friday announced new sanctions on nearly 400 entities who have allegedly provided products and services that have allowed Moscow to sustain its war effort and evade sanctions.

"These actions build on a series of historic steps we have taken with our Allies and partners over the last few months to support Ukraine – from transferring F-16 fighter jets, to committing to deliver hundreds of air defense interceptors over the next year, to quickly surging security assistance to the frontlines following the passing of our National Security Bill," said Biden.

"Make no mistake: Russia will not prevail in this conflict. The independent people of Ukraine will prevail – and the United States, our Allies, and our partners, will continue to stand with them every step of the way," he added.