The US government announced a new $325 million military aid package to Ukraine on Thursday, which aims to bolster Ukrainian air defenses but does not include ATACMS missiles that Kiev has been insisting on.

This new package includes artillery shells and systems to counter enemy airstrikes, according to the US Department of Defense.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had made specific requests for military equipment, aspiring to acquire ATACMS missiles with a range of up to 300 kilometers, but they were not included in the announced package.

Washington announced the new package of military aid to Kiev during Zelensky’s visit to the American capital.

The Ukrainian president thanked the US for its continued support in his country’s fight to expel Russian invaders, during a meeting with his US counterpart Joe Biden and his cabinet at the White House. As he said, the new package includes “exactly what our soldiers need”.

Zelensky also thanked the US government for strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses over the winter, as well as its contribution to the future armoring of the Ukrainian armed forces to prevent any new attacks against the country.

He stressed that he is grateful not only for the latest package of military aid, but also for Washington’s support during the 575 days of the war so far.

Since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, the value of US military aid to Ukraine is estimated at $43.9 billion, far more than any other country. Washington has also provided significant financial aid to Kiev.

After the meeting with Zelensky, US President Joe Biden said that the first of 31 Abrams tanks that the US has promised to supply will be delivered to Ukraine next week.

The Ukrainian president earlier held talks with members of the US Congress and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. He said he had a “wonderful dialogue” with members of the Senate, where Democrats hold the majority. In the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, there are signs of objections to the amount of military aid the US is offering to Ukraine.

“You give money, we give our lives,” Zelensky was quoted as saying, according to CNN.

CNN reported that Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy blocked a speech by Zelensky in a joint session of the US House and Senate.

In December, Zelensky was given a hero’s welcome when he addressed members of the US Congress, with the Ukrainian president securing a $1.85 billion military aid package that included the powerful Patriot air defense system.

At this stage, however, Republican lawmakers are fighting a tough battle over the federal budget, while McCarthy reportedly does not control the right wing of his party. Hence, the willingness for more military aid to Ukraine is limited.