AP report: Biden administration will seek $6.4 billion from Congress to aid Ukraine, allies

The Associated Press reported on Friday that the Biden administration will ask Congress to allocate $6.4 billion to aid Ukraine and its allies handle the humanitarian and refugee crisis emerging from the Russian invasion of Ukraine this week.

A source told AP that the White House is seeking the large amount largely to assist with civilian humanitarian aid in Ukraine and in neighboring countries receiving thousands of Ukrainian refugees fleeing their homes this week after Russia launched a full-scale attack on its neighbor. 

The funds would largely be split between the State Department, Department of Defense, and U.S. Agency for International Development, which distributes civilian foreign aid.

The financial assistance would help secure the Baltic nations, Poland, Ukraine and other neighboring allies. Some of the funds would help feed, shelter and care for the influx of Ukrainian refugees, as well as boosting efforts to counter any Russian cyber attacks.

The request from the Biden administration will spur a review of the costs to US taxpayers for American aid to Ukraine as it fights for its independence from the ongoing Russian onslaught. The $6.4 billion price tag was lower than some in Congress were expecting, but the amount of money could change as the situation in Ukraine unfolds.