Washington, United States

US Vice President Kamala Harris announced on Saturday (Jun 15) more than $1.5 billion in new aid for Ukraine in the war against Russia. The new aid is mainly for its energy sector and humanitarian assistance. Harris said the aid included $500 million in new funding for energy assistance. 

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Another $324 million previously announced USAID funding would also be redirected to address emergency energy needs. The new package, from USAID and the State Department, also includes more than $379 million in humanitarian assistance.

Harris is among over 100 leaders and the presidents or heads of the EU, South American, Middle East and Asian countries, who are gathered in Switzerland on Saturday to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine. But, Russia and China's absence is noted. 

Also read: G7 blames China for enabling Ukraine war, threatens sanctions 

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In a statement, Harris said, "This funding will repair energy infrastructure damaged in the war, expand power generation, encourage private sector investment, and protect energy infrastructure." 

"These efforts will help Ukraine respond to Russia's latest attacks on Ukraine energy infrastructure by supporting repair and recovery, improving Ukraine's resilience to energy supply disruptions, and laying the groundwork to repair and expand Ukraine's energy system," the statement further read. 

Harris said in her statement that this will "help address urgent needs of refugees, internally displaced persons, and conflict-affected communities impacted by Russia's brutal war against the Ukrainian people". 

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The State Department, with the support of Congress, will provide another $300 million in Ukrainian civilian security assistance, she added. 

Also read: European Union agrees 'in principle' on starting membership talks with Ukraine, Moldova 

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Putin's fresh demand for peace 

The aid was announced a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow would be ready for such talks "tomorrow" if Ukrainian troops withdrew from the Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and also gave up plans to join NATO. 

Putin slammed the 'selfish' and 'arrogant' Western powers for bringing the world "unacceptably close" to the point of "no return" as he addressed the Russian Foreign Ministry meeting. 

He criticised the actions of the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). He also accused the West of undermining global strategic stability. 

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

(With inputs from agencies)