US details new $2.6 bn military aid package for Ukraine
"The United States will continue... to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security assistance requirements," the Pentagon said in a statement.
- World
- AFP
- Published Date: 06:57 | 04 April 2023
- Modified Date: 07:25 | 04 April 2023
The United States on Tuesday unveiled details of $2.6 billion of new military aid for Ukraine in its war against Russia's invasion, including ammunition for HIMARS rocket systems, artillery rounds and small arms.
"The United States will continue... to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security assistance requirements," the Pentagon said in a statement.
The package also includes munitions for Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems, as well as ammunition and anti-tank missiles used by Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles that Washington previously promised to Kyiv, among other items.
Most of the aid -- $2.1 billion -- comes in the form of Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds, which pay for procurement of equipment from the defense industry.
The remaining $500 million is drawn from existing US stocks, meaning it will arrive on the battlefield sooner.
The United States has spearheaded the push for international support for Ukraine, quickly forging an international coalition to back Kyiv after Russia invaded in February 2022 and coordinating aid from dozens of countries.
Kyiv has pushed for some items that its international supporters have been reluctant to provide, including Patriot air defense systems and advanced heavy tanks -- which were eventually promised -- and others such as Western fighter aircraft, which have not been pledged so far.
- Kiev urges Ukrainians to flee Russian-occupied territories
- Russia says ready to return Ukraine children if parents request
- U.S. journalist jailed by Russia met lawyers on Tuesday - editor
- Russia summons French diplomat over Ukraine atrocity claims
- US and EU to reduce dependency on Russia for nuclear materials