Russian President Vladimir Putin's trip to Iran this week shows how isolated Russia has become after the invasion of Ukraine, White House National Security Council chief John Kirby told reporters on Tuesday..

He noted, referring to US intelligence data, that Russia is laying the groundwork for the annexation of Ukrainian territory and placing illegal proxies in the occupied areas.. According to him, Russia is also trying to take control of the radio towers..

At the same time, Kirby noted that the United States would announce a new arms package for Ukraine in the next few days..

According to him, this will be the 16th such withdrawal of funds approved by Congress and allocated in accordance with the powers of the President..

The package is expected to include U.S. mobile rocket launchers, known as HIMARS, and multiple launch rocket launchers, as well as artillery ammunition, the sources said..

[see_also ids\u003d"

The US said last week that it had information indicating that Iran was preparing to provide Russia with up to several hundred drones, including combat-ready ones, and that Tehran was preparing to train Russian forces in their use.. The Iranian Foreign Minister denied this..

Kirby said on Tuesday there is no sign yet that Iran has handed over drones to Russia..