US to announce $300m military aid package for Ukraine: Politico

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Politico reported on Tuesday that the Biden administration is predicted to announce a fresh military aid package for Ukraine on Wednesday amounting to $300 million, which includes artillery and mortar ammunition.

Citing US officials, Politico claims that the package will include trucks, heavy equipment, and spare parts, in addition to Hydra-70 rockets, which are typically used in an air-to-ground operation mode.

The first package this year was a $3 billion package in military aid to Ukraine which included Bradley military vehicles, self-propelled howitzer artillery guns, MRAPS vehicles, Sea Sparrow missiles, and ammo, among other military materials and equipment. 

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In February, the Pentagon announced a $460 million package to Ukraine which included "more ammunition for US-provided HIMARS and Howitzers that Ukraine is using to defend their country as well as more Javelins, anti-armor systems, and air surveillance radars" per a Pentagon statement at the time. 

During a surprise visit to Ukraine that month, US President Joe Biden expressed his country's unceasing support after taking the chance to promise Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky that more arms will be sent and that they have his unflagging commitment to helping Ukraine. 

Then in March, the US announced that it will provide Ukraine with new military aid amounting to $350 million, including HIMARS and howitzers ammunition, anti-tank systems, and Bradley armored vehicles. "Russia alone could end its war today. Until Russia does, we will stand united with Ukraine for as long as it takes," Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated at the time. 

According to a recent poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, support among the American public for giving Ukraine weapons and direct economic assistance has waned as the war approaches its one-year mark.

48% support the United States giving arms to Ukraine, 29% oppose it, and 22% are neither in favor nor opposed, as per the poll. In May 2022, less than three months into the war, 60% of US adults supported sending weapons to Ukraine, it further showed.

Biden's handling of the war has mostly divided opinion along partisan lines. Among Democrats, 40% have high confidence in Biden to handle the crisis, 50% have some confidence, and 9% have none. A huge majority of Republicans (76%) believe they have little confidence. These figures have remained basically constant since last May.

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