Biden Vows Unwavering Support for Ukraine Against Russia-Iran Ties as US Imposes New Sanctions and Military Aid

President Biden announces additional military aid for Ukraine and imposes new sanctions on Russia and its supporters. This comes amid concerns about an alliance between Russia and Iran, with growing evidence that Russia may be providing Iran with fighter jets as part of a deepening military relationship. The potential new support for Russia by Iran and China could have far-reaching global ramifications of the yearlong war, which has reshaped alliances on both sides of the conflict.

The Biden administration announced economic sanctions on more than 200 individuals and entities in Russia and other countries that it says are supporting Moscow's war. The Pentagon will spend $2 billion to supply the Ukrainian military with new drones and anti-drone systems, as well as additional ammunition for artillery and long-range rocket systems. These efforts build on a more than yearlong campaign to leverage economic and military tools against Mr. Putin.

The impact on the battlefield could be significant if Iran is helping Mr. Putin get around the Western sanctions intended to cripple his ability to equip his forces. But this partnership also raises concerns for the Middle East, where the delivery of Russian fighter jets to Iran could alter the power dynamic in the region. The Biden administration is closely monitoring these developments and has warned that China may also be considering whether to provide military support to Russia.

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine addressed the Group of 7 nations in a virtual gathering Friday morning. Mr. Zelensky presented the leaders with detailed requests for more support in five areas as he tries to defend his country and reclaim territory seized by the Russians over the past year: weapons, sanctions, finances, justice, and unity. He thanked the partners for their unity and help during this year, and said that Ukraine withstood the Russian invasion.

The United States announced a series of broad new actions aimed at helping Ukraine on the battlefield and increasing the economic pressure on Russia. Officials at the Treasury Department said the sanctions would target more than 30 people and companies in countries outside Russia that are connected to the effort to evade existing prohibitions. The Commerce Department added 86 companies and organizations that it said had aided Russia’s war - or engaged in other activities contrary to U.S. national security interests - to a list that prevents them from buying certain U.S. products and technologies.

The Biden administration's announcement reaffirms its support for Ukraine and its commitment to standing up to Russia's aggression. While the prospect of sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies did not prevent the invasion, the administration is determined to continue using economic and military tools against Mr. Putin.