U.S. to Provide $375 Million in Military Aid to Ukraine

U.S. officials announced that the country will send Ukraine a substantial military aid package valued at approximately $375 million. This package includes medium-range cluster bombs, along with rockets, artillery, and armored vehicles. The exact quantity of the cluster bombs being sent has not been disclosed.

The announcement is expected to coincide with a gathering of global leaders at the U.N. General Assembly. During this time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will make his case for increased support from the U.S., including the use of long-range weapons to target deeper into Russian territory. Following this assembly, Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington.

The military assistance package is notably equipped with air-to-ground bombs that contain cluster munitions, which can be deployed by Ukrainian fighter jets. Additionally, it includes munitions for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), Javelins, and other anti-armor weaponry. The package also provides Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles and bridging systems, among other types of military equipment. U.S. officials who provided the information requested anonymity as the aid package had not been made public yet.

This latest delivery represents one of the most significant aid packages approved recently. It is made possible through presidential drawdown authority, allowing the Pentagon to expedite the delivery of military supplies by drawing from existing stockpiles.

Concerns have been raised about the future of funding for Ukrainian assistance, as nearly $6 billion earmarked for aid could lapse at the end of the month unless Congress acts to extend the Pentagon’s authority to provide weaponry from its inventory. Congressional leaders recently reached a preliminary agreement on a short-term spending bill; however, it remains uncertain if any provisions will be included to prolong the Pentagon’s authority to supply weapons to Ukraine during ongoing negotiations.

Amid escalating hostilities, Ukrainian and Russian forces are engaged in fierce combat in eastern Ukraine, where intense fighting, including hand-to-hand skirmishes, has been reported in the Kharkiv region. Ukraine has successfully reclaimed control of a large processing plant in the town of Vovchansk, which had been under Russian occupation for four months. Ukrainian troops are also maintaining their presence in Russia’s Kursk region, following a bold incursion carried out last month.

This announcement regarding military aid follows President Zelenskyy’s recent visit to a Pennsylvania ammunition factory. There, he expressed gratitude to the workers producing 155 mm artillery shells, which have become critically essential for Ukraine in its defense efforts against Russian ground forces.

With this newly launched aid package, the United States has now committed over $56.2 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the onset of Russia’s invasion in February 2022. The ongoing support underscores the U.S. commitment to aiding Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression and signals the need for continued international solidarity.

Source: AP