US announces $1.2 billion aid for Ukraine

AFP | Washington

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com    

The United States yesterday announced a new $1.2 billion security assistance package for Ukraine to boost the country’s air defenses and provide it with additional artillery ammunition.

Ukraine is readying for a highly anticipated spring offensive against invading Russian troops, but the latest assistance will not immediately arrive on the battlefield as it must still be procured from the defence industry or partners.

This avoids depleting US stocks, but means the assistance will take longer to reach Kyiv than equipment drawn directly from existing American military inventories.

The package underscores the continued US commitment to Ukraine “by committing critical near-term capabilities, such as air defense systems and munitions, while also building the capacity of Ukraine’s armed forces to defend its territory and deter Russian aggression over the long term,” the Defense Department said in a statement.

It features unspecified air defence systems and munitions as well as equipment to integrate Western systems with Ukraine’s existing gear, which is mainly of Soviet vintage.

The package also includes ammunition for counter-drone systems meant to counter the threat of Iranian-made uncrewed aircraft that Russia has used for strikes in Ukraine, as well as 155 mm rounds -- a key type of artillery ammunition for Ukraine’s forces.

It will also provide commercial satellite imagery services as well as support for training and maintenance.

The latest assistance brings total US military aid to Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in February 2022 to more than $36 billion.