The U.S. said on Saturday it would rush up to $200 million in additional small arms, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons to Ukraine, a step taken briefly after Russia warned it may target equipment given by outside countries. 

President Joe Biden authorized the additional security assistance, according to the White House. A senior administration official said it paved the way for the "immediate" shipment of fresh military equipment to Ukraine.

On Saturday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told state television that "the orchestrated pumping of weapons from a number of countries is not just a dangerous move, it is a move that turns these convoys into legitimate targets."

He said Moscow had warned "about the consequences of the thoughtless transfer to Ukraine of weapons like man-portable air defense systems, anti-tank missile systems and so on," adding that Washington had not taken these warnings seriously.

Biden's decision brings total U.S. security aid provided to Ukraine to $1.2 billion since January 2021, and to $3.2 billion since 2014, according to senior administration officials.

In a memorandum to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Biden directed that up to $200 million allocated through the Foreign Assistance Act be designated for Ukraine's defense.

The last batch of U.S. weapons provided in February included anti-armor, small arms, body armor and various munitions, according to the Pentagon, as well as anti-aircraft systems.

(With input from Reuters)