Marking the 31st Anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, the US announced a fresh aid of 2.98 billion dollars to the war-beleaguered nation.
While the US has been the biggest supporter of Ukraine in its war against Russia, the current package is the largest since the Russians began the invasion in February 2022.
Since January 2021, the United States has committed more than $13.5 billion in security assistance to Ukraine.
Speaking on occasion, US President Joe Biden said –
‘The aid will allow Ukraine to acquire air defense systems, artillery systems, and munitions, counter-unmanned aerial systems, and radars to ensure it can continue to defend itself over the long term.’
What is Ukraine getting now?
Although the US provided anti-armor and anti-aircraft munitions, including the Javelin and Stinger systems, at the beginning of the war, the nature of combat has now changed, says the Pentagon. The Russian focus is no longer on Kyiv but on the eastern part of Ukraine and hence more artillery, the Department of Defense said.
The US aid to Ukraine is diversified and strategic in nature.
According to the Department of Defense –
“The fresh capabilities being provided to Ukraine include six additional National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and munitions. It also includes up to 245,000 rounds of 155 mm artillery ammunition and up to 65,000 rounds of 120 mm mortar ammunition.
The process will also supply up to 24 counter-artillery radars, Puma Unmanned Aerial Systems, and support equipment for Scan Eagle unmanned aerial systems.”
The Pentagon added that the VAMPIRE Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems and laser-guided rocket systems are included in the package to counter Russian unmanned aerial systems.