US announces new $600 million military aid package for Ukraine
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The United States is giving Ukraine an additional $600 million in military aid as the latter continues requesting money in light of major losses against Russia.
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Ukrainian servicemen fire by MSLR towards Russian positions during the fighting, at the frontline in Donetsk, Feb. 13, 2023 (AP)
The United States has unveiled a new $600 million security package, which includes a range of munitions and equipment aimed at enhancing Ukraine's air defenses and battlefield readiness.
The announcement came during a press briefing on Thursday, where Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh provided details of the package.
"Today, the Department announced a new security assistance package through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative to support Ukraine's battlefield needs," Singh said.
"This $600 million package includes equipment to augment Ukraine's air defenses, artillery munitions, and other capabilities," she added.
The security package, designed to address Ukraine's evolving security challenges, encompasses a diverse array of military assets and support, as outlined in a Pentagon press release. Key components of the package include:
The package provides equipment to sustain and integrate Ukraine's air defense systems, bolstering the country's ability to safeguard its airspace.
The US will also be giving Ukraine additional ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and 105mm artillery rounds, which are vital for ground-based artillery operations.
Ukraine will also benefit from state-of-the-art equipment to protect its communications and disrupt enemy electronic systems, demolition munitions, and specialized machinery for safe and efficient mine clearance operations.
The package also encompasses vital support for training, maintenance, and sustainment activities to ensure Ukraine's armed forces can effectively utilize the provided equipment.
The Pentagon announced on Wednesday a comprehensive security assistance package valued at up to $175 million for Ukraine, Reuters reported.
It's notable that this package includes the provision of depleted uranium armor-piercing ammunition for Abrams tanks, marking the first time the United States has sent such controversial armor-piercing munitions to Kiev.
These ammunition rounds, renowned for their capability to neutralize armored targets, would constitute a crucial component of the impending military aid package destined for Ukraine.
Alongside the depleted uranium ammunition, the Pentagon's package includes a diverse array of military support, encompassing anti-armor systems, tactical air navigation systems, and additional ammunition for HIMARS.
Read more: Russia requests UNSC meeting to discuss Western arms to Ukraine
Earlier this month, Ukraine's Defense Minister, Oleksii Reznikov, revealed that Western allies have provided approximately $100 billion worth of military aid since the Ukraine war began in February 2022.
He emphasized that over $50 billion of these supplies came from the United States alone. Reznikov explained that the aid included weaponry, equipment, ammunition, and more.
Western support for Ukraine started with lighter arms and training but has expanded to include heavier weaponry, with Ukraine's request for fighter jets and training for them being approved recently.
Read more: The high cost of war: Ukraine's $100 million daily battle
