The Biden administration announced a $275 million military aid package for Ukraine to provide rockets, artillery rounds, and other urgently needed equipment to help defend against Russian advances in the northeast. This is the fifth tranche of aid provided to Kyiv since Congress approved $60 billion in additional funding last month, and it includes a variety of weapons and equipment such as HIMARS ammunition, missiles, anti-armor systems, aerial munitions, and more. Secretary of State Antony Blinken described the aid as significant and vital in defending against a Russian offensive near Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.
The package also includes small arms, ammunition, grenades, tactical vehicles, body armor, and protective equipment. The weapons are being sent through the president’s drawdown authority, pulling from existing Defense Department stockpiles. This marks the 58th shipment of military equipment provided to Ukraine from DoD inventories since August 2021. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for the aid package, stating its critical importance as the enemy intensifies attacks along the frontline. Zelensky emphasized the need to strengthen warriors in order to protect the Ukrainian people, cities, and communities.
During a visit to Kharkiv, Zelensky witnessed the aftermath of a Russian attack on a printing facility that resulted in casualties. He also mentioned that the Ukrainian military had taken combat control of the border area near Kharkiv where Russian occupiers had entered. Zelensky called for continued strong support from the United States and other allies to protect the value of freedom that both nations hold dear. The United States has provided roughly $51 billion in military aid to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
President Biden has made it clear that the United States and its international coalition will continue to stand with Ukraine in its defense of freedom. Blinken emphasized that previous assistance from aid packages had already reached the frontlines, and the new assistance would be expedited to help the Ukrainian military defend their territory and people against Russian aggression. The aid package underscores the commitment of the United States to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia and strengthen its defense capabilities to resist further aggression. The US is working with Ukraine to ensure that the necessary resources are provided to defend against Russian advances and protect the country’s sovereignty.
