Biden speaks with Zelenskyy and announces new aid package for Ukraine
Photo: Joe Biden, President of the United States (Getty Images)
The United States has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine. Its amount is $125 million, according to the White House.
"Tomorrow - as the people of Ukraine mark their Independence Day - let it be clear: When Russia’s senseless war began, Ukraine was a free country. Today, it is still a free country. And the war will end with Ukraine remaining a free, sovereign, and independent country," stated Biden.
According to him, he had a conversation with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today.
Before this, the Associated Press reported the contents of the aid package. According to journalists, it includes:
- Ammunition for HIMARS missile systems;
- Missiles for air defense systems;
- Javelin anti-tank missiles and other anti-tank weapons;
- Systems and equipment for countering drones and electronic warfare;
- 155mm and 105mm artillery shells;
- Vehicles and other equipment.
The package is provided under the US President’s authority to draw weapons, ammunition, and equipment from American military stockpiles to meet the short-term needs of Ukraine’s defense forces. This means it will be taken from Pentagon warehouses and can be delivered to Ukraine much faster.
US aid to Ukraine
The United States is the undisputed leader in providing aid to Ukraine. The last military aid package from Washington was received by Kyiv on August 9.
That $125 million package included air defense systems, multi-functional radars for detecting and countering enemy artillery, anti-tank weapons, and more.
Moreover, as previously reported by Politico, citing an unnamed White House official, the US is prepared to supply Ukraine with JASSM long-range missiles for F-16 fighter jets. However, no decision has been made yet, as President Joe Biden’s administration works through details concerning the transfer of sensitive technology and ensuring that Ukrainian aircraft can launch these missiles.
Additionally, the United States has permitted Ukraine to strike on Russian territory using its own weapons during operations in the Kursk region. However, the White House has not changed its position on restrictions against deep strikes into Russia with American weapons.
