The Biden administration is set to announce an additional $275 million in military aid to Ukraine, according to two U.S. officials, as Kyiv continues to fend off Russian advances in the Kharkiv region. This latest aid package underscores the United States’ ongoing commitment to support Ukraine amidst escalating hostilities.
This marks the fourth installment of military aid to Ukraine since Congress passed a significant foreign aid bill late last month. The new package will include high mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS), 155 mm and 105 mm artillery rounds, as well as Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems, anti-tank mines, tactical vehicles, small arms, and associated ammunition. Both U.S. officials disclosed these details on the condition of anonymity ahead of the public announcement.
The timing of this aid is critical as Ukrainian forces contend with fresh Russian offensives in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, during a recent meeting of defense leaders from over 50 countries, highlighted the urgency of the situation. He noted that Ukraine is in a “moment of challenge” and emphasized the necessity of a continuous supply of weapons “week after week” to counter Russia’s renewed aggression.
Since the war’s onset in February 2022, Russia has systematically targeted Ukraine’s infrastructure, including its power grid and civilian areas, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The strain on Ukrainian forces, compounded by delays in U.S. aid, has allowed Russian troops to make strategic gains, making the timely delivery of this new military assistance all the more vital.
In the month following President Joe Biden’s signing of the $95 billion foreign aid package—which earmarked approximately $61 billion for Ukraine—the U.S. has already dispatched almost $1.7 billion in military equipment from Pentagon stockpiles. This aid includes a broad array of weaponry, all aimed at fortifying Ukraine’s defensive capabilities against Russian advances.
Moreover, the U.S. has also allocated $6 billion under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. This initiative focuses on long-term contracts with the defense industry, meaning some of the promised weapons might take months or years to be fully delivered. However, this long-term investment signals a sustained U.S. commitment to Ukraine’s defense.
With this latest $275 million package, the total U.S. military assistance to Ukraine since the conflict began has now reached nearly $51 billion. This substantial support highlights America’s resolute stance in bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities against the persistent threat posed by Russian forces.
Relevant articles:
– US To Announce $275 Million Additional Aid For Ukraine, Officials Say – WE News – WE News , WE News -, 05/24/2024
– US will announce $275 million more in artillery and ammunition for Ukraine, officials say, The Associated Press, 05/23/2024
– Media: US to announce $275 million in additional military aid for Ukraine, Kyiv Independent, 05/23/2024
– Ukraine: US ready to announce a new military aid package worth 275 million dollars, Agenzia Nova, 05/24/2024
– US to provide Ukraine with USD275mn more in military aid amid Russian advances, The Economic Times, 05/24/2024
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