Washington, DC: The United States announced a new security assistance package worth $275 million for Ukraine on Friday, including ammunitions, artillery rounds, and precision aerial munitions. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed America’s steadfast support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasizing that this latest aid aims to bolster Kyiv’s defenses against Moscow’s assaults near Kharkiv.
In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced, “The United States is announcing today a significant new drawdown of weapons and equipment for Ukraine to support the brave Ukrainian people as they defend their country against Russia’s aggression.”
He detailed that the $275 million package, part of efforts to help Ukraine repel Russia’s assault near Kharkiv, includes ammunition for HIMARS, 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds, Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided missiles, Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems, precision aerial munitions, small arms and additional rounds of small arms ammunition and grenades, demolitions munitions, anti-armor mines, tactical vehicles, body armor, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear protective equipment, as well as spare parts, maintenance, and other equipment.
Blinken noted that this is the fifth security assistance package authorised by US President Joe Biden since signing the national security supplemental, and the third package using Presidential Drawdown Authorities. Blinken highlighted that assistance from previous packages has already reached the front lines, and emphasised that the new military aid will be expedited to ensure the Ukrainian military can use it promptly to defend their territory and protect the people of Ukraine.
Blinken stated, “As President Biden has made clear, the United States and the international coalition we have assembled will continue to stand with Ukraine in its defense of its freedom.”
Notably, the US has offered support to Ukraine since the war between Moscow and Kyiv started in 2022. Earlier this month, Antony Blinken arrived on a surprise visit to Ukraine to foster ties and reaffirm American support to Kyiv amid its ongoing war with Russia.
