More now on the $40bn aid package that the US Senate has approved to send to Ukraine – the largest aid package since Russia began its war.

US President Joe Biden applauded members for sending “a clear bipartisan message to the world” that the people of the United States “stand together with the brave people of Ukraine as they defend their democracy and freedom”.

Biden said the resources he requested will allow the US to send more weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, replenish its own stockpile, and support US troops stationed on Nato territory.

“Together with the contributions of our allies and partners, we will keep security, economic, food, and humanitarian assistance flowing to Ukraine, across the region, and around the world, and further strengthen Ukraine – both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.”

Biden also signed off on $100 million of military aid to Ukraine, including additional artillery munitions and counter artillery battery radars, the latest in a series of transfers to help Kyiv repel Russia’s invasion.