The Pentagon revealed that it will give Ukraine extra long-term arms assistance worth $2.1 billion.
More Patriot missile battery munitions, Hawk air defense systems, and missiles, and small Puma drones that can be fired manually will also receive financing as part of the new support package.
Ukraine with $2.1 Billion Assistance Package
The current financing boost, one of the biggest packages the US has given, comes as there are indications that Ukraine is starting to launch its much-awaited counteroffensive to try to reclaim land that has been taken by Russia, or is about to do so.
Contrary to the US equipment, weapons, and ammunition that are more frequently sent from Pentagon stocks and delivered quickly to Ukraine, this money would be provided under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and is intended to be spent over the coming months or even years to ensure Ukraine’s future security needs.
The Pentagon said in a statement that the package demonstrates American steadfastness in support of both Ukraine’s crucial near-term capabilities as well as the lasting capacity of Ukraine’s Armed Forces to defend its territory and deter Russian attack over the long term.
Together with cash for maintenance and training, the assistance will also provide unspecified numbers of artillery rounds and munitions for laser-guided rockets.
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Ukraine’s Intensifying Conflict
Some government representatives have recognized that combat in Ukraine has gotten worse recently, but early this week, the Dnieper River’s Kakhovka dam collapse took center stage.
There was a rush to evacuate residents from dozens of flooded regions and provide relief to those who were still there after the White House and the Pentagon reaffirmed on Thursday that they are still investigating who caused the damage.
Despite the US’s willingness to spend billions on military equipment and other assistance, the Biden administration has made it clear that there won’t be any US combat personnel present within Ukraine.
In keeping with this, Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the press secretary for the Pentagon, stated on Thursday that there were no plans for the military to actively offer transportation or other help to the regions affected by the dam collapse.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the Biden administration has given more than $37.6 billion in security aid to the country.
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