Biden admin announces new $325 mil military package for Ukraine
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The package would include the MIM-23 Hawk air defense system, a Vietnam War-era surface-to-air missile system which was replaced by the Patriot missile system in the 2000s.
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A Romanian MIM-23 HAWK missile is fired from Capu Midia Training Area, Romania, July 19, 2017. (US Department of Defense)
A new military package was announced for Ukraine by US President Joe Biden on Friday, due to include the second Hawk air defense battery and monthly deliveries of weapons systems during winter.
Biden announced that military and security systems will continue to be sent in support of Ukraine by the US and its allies.
"Together with our allies and partners, we will continue to provide security systems to support Ukraine's progress in reclaiming its territory," Biden said, adding that the security package, valued at $128 million, would include the MIM-23 Hawk air defense system, a Vietnam War-era surface-to-air missile system which was replaced by the Patriot missile system in the 2000s.
AIM-9M Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, Avenger air defense systems, cluster munitions, and more ammunition for the HIMARS multiple-launch rocket systems are also part of the package.
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"We're also focused on strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities to protect the critical infrastructure that provides heat and light during the coldest and darkest days of the year," Biden continued, adding: "That includes providing the second Hawk air defense battery, with steady deliveries of additional Hawk and other systems each month through the winter and the new package of launchers and interceptors."
More money, more problems
The US Department of Defense also released a separate announcement that said the latest military package is worth around $325 million, including an additional $197 million in arms and equipment under past drawdowns verified and authorized by the Biden administration.
These updates come at the same time as Biden's announcement that the first package of several US-supplied Abrams tanks is due to land in Ukraine next week after the US vowed to send Ukraine 31 Abrams tanks.
Biden recently convened with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House after the latter has repeatedly urged for more military aid packages despite opposition on the matter from the Republicans and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
However, his calls may be in vain, since back in July, the State Department Inspector General issued a report warning that the economic aid provided to Ukraine is at risk due to corruption within the Ukrainian government and private sector in Kiev.
"Over the longer run, particularly as the Department plans to assist Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction, corruption in the Ukrainian government and private sector poses risks to the effectiveness of US foreign assistance that requires robust oversight," the State Department Inspector General said in the report
In April, famed US investigative journalist and Pulitzer award winner Seymour Hersh said that Zelensky had embezzled hundreds of millions of dollars from the US that Washington had allocated to purchase fuel.
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Hard-right Republican lawmakers are holding up the White House's demand for any budget bill passed by Congress if it includes the $24 billion aid. Even relatively moderate Republicans are expressing doubts.
"What's the plan for victory? I think that's what the American public wants to know," McCarthy said this week.
