US unveils $725mln Ukraine aid package; more landmines to pour in
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The aid includes anti-personnel landmines, ammunition for HIMARS precision rocket systems, Stinger missiles, counter-drone systems, anti-armor weapons, and artillery rounds.
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A worker stores mortar shells at a factory in Ukraine, on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 (AP)
The United States announced Monday a new $725 million military aid package for Ukraine, which includes a second shipment of landmines, alongside anti-aircraft and anti-armor weapons.
With President-elect Donald Trump set to assume office in less than two months, the Biden administration is accelerating its efforts to deliver substantial support to Kiev. Trump's upcoming presidency raises uncertainty over the future of US assistance to Ukraine.
In a statement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that the package aims to ensure Ukraine possesses the necessary capabilities to defend itself against Russia.
The aid includes anti-personnel landmines, ammunition for HIMARS precision rocket systems, Stinger missiles, counter-drone systems, anti-armor weapons, and artillery rounds, according to Blinken.
This marks the second shipment of landmines to Ukraine, following a policy shift announced last month that drew criticism from human rights organizations.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin defended the decision, citing the need to counter Russian forces, which have been advancing with dismounted infantry rather than vehicles.
The Ukrainians "have a need for things that can help slow down that effort on the part of the Russians," Austin explained to journalists last month.
On his part, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Biden had directed the Defense Department to rapidly deliver to Ukraine materiel that includes "hundreds of thousands of additional artillery rounds, thousands of additional rockets, and other critical capabilities" between now and mid-January.
"To help Ukraine stabilize its lines in the east, the president has authorized the provision of non-persistent anti-personnel land mines to Ukraine as a limited exception to the Administration's continuing landmine policy," as per Sullivan's statement.
"In response to the entry of North Korean soldiers into this war, the President has decided to adjust permissions on Ukraine's use of US-provided long-range missiles. And to disrupt Russia's war machine, the United States has implemented major sanctions against Russia's financial sector, with more sanctions to follow."
Ukraine needs $126 bln in aid for 2025
This comes as a Ukrainian official maintained that Ukraine may need military assistance in the amount of about $126 billion for 2025 alone, as cited by The Wall Street Journal.
This is exactly the amount needed to be able to withstand the rapidly funded Russian army on the battlefield, it added.
With the Pentagon estimating earlier that the volume of American military assistance to Ukraine has reached $61.4 billion since the beginning of the Russian special military operation, this means that the amount needed for 2025 alone is nearly double.
Aid rush before Biden steps down
The outgoing administration is making every effort to maximize aid to Ukraine before Trump, who has criticized US support for Kiev and claimed he could broker a ceasefire within hours, takes office.
Trump's remarks have sparked concerns in Kiev and across Europe about the sustainability of US aid and Ukraine’s ability to withstand Russian attacks without continued support.
On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky underscored his country’s need for NATO security guarantees and additional weaponry to bolster its defenses ahead of any negotiations with Russia.
Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder affirmed Monday that all remaining US funding allocated for Ukraine would be fully utilized.
"At the president's direction, we will spend every dollar that Congress has appropriated for Ukraine and to replenish our stockpiles," Ryder stated.
He noted that $6.8 billion remains available for weapons from existing US stockpiles, while an additional $2.2 billion is allocated for procurement from the defense industry.
Defense Secretary Austin also held discussions with his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, on Monday, providing updates on the surge of US security assistance aimed at equipping Ukraine against Russia.
Since the onset of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, the United States has committed over $60 billion in military aid to Kiev, including weapons, ammunition, and other critical security support.
Read more: US worried over Ukraine's manpower, resources shortage: WashPo
