The Pentagon has announced a significant new military assistance package for Ukraine, totaling $1.7 billion. This aid includes missiles, ammunition, and anti-tank weapons, all of which are intended to help Ukraine counter Russia’s invasion. The package consists of $200 million in immediate assistance drawn from existing weapons and equipment stockpiles within the Department of Defense, as well as a long-term commitment of $1.5 billion from Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds.
The firepower being sent to Ukraine includes a range of equipment designed to enhance their defensive capabilities. This includes surface-to-air missiles, short- and medium-range air defense munitions, RIM-7 missiles for air defense, electronic warfare equipment, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) rockets, artillery and mortar rounds, Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles, and Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank weapons, among others.
President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the Ukraine Compact meeting during the 75th NATO Summit in Washington, DC. This meeting served as an opportunity to discuss the ongoing crisis and the support that the United States is providing to Ukraine.
This latest military assistance package represents the 62nd drawdown of military equipment for Ukraine authorized by President Biden and the 20th tranche distributed under USAI. It highlights the continued commitment of the United States to support Ukraine in its defense against Russia.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed the significance of this package, stating that it will strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses and reinforce their capabilities across the front lines. He also noted that this support is the ninth since Congress approved an additional $60 billion in funding for Ukraine in April. The aim is to deploy this new assistance as quickly as possible to bolster Ukraine’s defense efforts.
President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for the $1.7 billion in military aid, emphasizing that it will help sustain previously committed equipment from the United States. He witnessed firsthand how ongoing assistance allows Ukraine to save lives and protect people from Russian attacks. Zelenskyy also highlighted that this assistance demonstrates America’s strength and leadership in the face of aggression and terror.
As President Biden has made clear, the United States and the international coalition will continue to stand with Ukraine. This commitment to Ukraine’s defense is crucial in maintaining stability in the region and the world as a whole. The stronger the leadership and support provided, the more stable the world becomes.
