US government approved $54 million in additional humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

"It is with the welfare of ordinary Ukrainians in mind that we announce the provision of close to $54 million in humanitarian aid to those affected by the new Russian invasion," US diplomatic chief Antony Blinken announced in a statement.

Washington is one of the most important donors of humanitarian aid to Ukraine, with "close to $405 million to vulnerable communities since Russia invaded Ukraine eight years ago," he wrote, in a reference to Moscow's annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea in 2014.

"This last tranche of humanitarian aid will be made available through independent humanitarian organizations that will deliver aid based on needs, with impartiality, humanity, neutrality and independence," said the Secretary of State, quoted by Lusa.

The aid will include "food, clean water, shelter, emergency care, cold fighting and protection," he added.

The head of U.S. diplomacy also hailed "the hospitality of neighboring countries" in welcoming Ukrainians who are fleeing the conflict, and called on the international community to respond "to the needs of those seeking protection, in accordance with the principle of 'non-return' and shared obligations under international law."

Russia launched on Thursday dawn a military offensive in Ukraine, with ground forces and shelling of targets in several cities, which has already caused about 200 deaths, including civilians, and more than 1,100 wounded, in Ukrainian territory, according to Kiev. The UN reported nearly 370,000 displaced to Poland, Hungary, Moldova, and Romania.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the "special military operation" in Ukraine is aimed at demilitarizing the neighboring country and that it was the only way for Russia to defend itself, with the Kremlin specifying that the offensive will last as long as necessary.

The attack was condemned by the international community in general and prompted emergency meetings of several governments, including the Portuguese government, and of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the EU, and the UN Security Council, and massive sanctions against Russia were approved.