Correction appended
KIEV — The U.S has offered Ukraine a new $50 million aid package to help with economic and political reform, the White House said on Tuesday during a visit to Kiev by Vice President Joe Biden.
It also offered an additional $8 million in nonlethal military aid, including radios and vehicles, according to a statement issued by Biden's staff in Kiev.
Small in terms of Ukraine's needs and in relation to the $1 billion loan guarantee already signed with Washington, the package, along with Biden's visit, was a clear show of support for the new authorities following the overthrow of the Kremlin-backed president and continuing confrontation with Russia.
"The U.S. is committed to ensuring that Ukrainians alone are able to determine their country's future without intimidation or coercion from outside forces," it said.
Saying Washington was ready to provide further assistance after a presidential election on May 25, it said $11.4 million of the package would support the integrity of that vote.
U.S. analysts would also work on reducing Ukraine's dependence on Russian gas and in fighting corruption.
See related stories:
Biden Pledges Economic Support to Ukrainian Parliament
Due to an editing error, an earlier version of this article's headline said the U.S. aid package was for $50 billion.
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