At a press availability Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken lauded what he called a "significant new security assistance package to arm Ukraine with additional capabilities and advanced weaponry," saying it was "precisely what they need to defend themselves against the ongoing Russian aggression."
While Blinken noted the U.S. was leveling up the military equipment it was supplying to Ukraine, he described it as an extension of the administration’s longstanding game plan.
"[The package] includes more advanced rocket systems so that they can strike key targets on the battlefield in Ukraine from longer distances," Blinken said. "This is a continuation of a strategy that began even before Russia's invasion. We move quickly to send Ukraine significant amounts of weapons and ammunition so that they can repel Russia's aggression, and in turn, can be in the strongest possible position at any negotiating table that may emerge."
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who was also at the press availability, praised the latest round of assistance, calling it "a demonstration of real U.S. leadership."
But he added, "At the same time, we must prevent the conflict from escalating."
Blinken was pressed on how the U.S. could ensure that the rocket systems would not intensify or expand the war.
"With regard to weapons systems being provided, the Ukrainians have given us assurances that they will not use these systems against targets on Russian territory. There is a strong trust bond between Ukraine and the United States, as well as with our allies and partners," he answered.
Blinken added that none of this should surprise the Kremlin.
"Throughout this aggression, indeed, even before -- President [Joe] Biden was very clear with [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin about what the United States would do if Russia proceeded with its aggression, including continuing to provide security systems that Ukraine needs to defend itself against the Russian aggression," he said. "So we have done exactly what we said we would do."
-ABC News' Shannon Crawford