White House announces security aid to Ukraine with HIMARS, Howitzers

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
3 May 2023 22:28

'Additional howitzers, artillery and mortar rounds and anti armor capabilities' are expected to be a part of the new security package to be sent to Ukraine soon.

Ukrainian soldiers operate a U.S.-supplied M777 howitzer in Kherson region, Jan. 9, 2023 (AP Photo/Libkos, File)

During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre informed the media on Wednesday of the US' intention to send a new security aid package for Ukraine to include HIMARS ammunition and additional howitzers.

"We will have an announcement today from the Biden-Harris administration, a new package of security assistance to help Ukraine continue to defend itself on the battlefield," she stated.

Jean-Pierre added that it is due to be announced later today afternoon "by the Departments of State and Defense includes more ammunition for US-provided HIMARS that Ukraine has been using so effectively, as well as additional howitzers, artillery and mortar rounds, and anti-armor capabilities."

According to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the United States has authorized $300 million in additional security support for Ukraine, including heavy artillery and ammunition, anti-tank weaponry, and other field equipment.

"Pursuant to a delegation of authority from President Biden, I am authorizing our 37th drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for Ukraine valued at $300 million," Blinken said in a statement.

According to the statement, the assistance package also includes extra ammunition for howitzers, artillery, and tank systems, as well as trucks and trailers for the transportation of heavy machinery.

The announcement comes a day after Politico reported that the Biden administration is predicted to announce a fresh military aid package for Ukraine amounting to $300 million.

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.

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.

This revelation also arrives amid strife between the Democrats and the Republicans regarding budget cuts and a proposal by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to raise the debt limit, and stop supporting Ukraine, to avoid a debt default before the US runs out of money.

The White House announced yesterday that it is not willing to negotiate to raise the debt limit in light of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's recent warning of a debt default as early as June 1.

"With every new package and every new weapon provided to Ukraine, the risk of direct conflict with Russia climbs," the GOP members stressed back in April.