US Announces $725 Million Military Aid Package for Ukraine

Washington D.C. – Military Aid Package

The United States has announced a new $725 million military aid package for Ukraine, featuring a second tranche of landmines as well as anti-air and anti-armour weapons. This package is part of efforts to ensure Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression.

Background

The US has committed over $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. The US president, Joe Biden’s administration, is working against the clock to provide billions of dollars in aid to Kyiv before president-elect Donald Trump takes office, after which future assistance for Ukraine will be in doubt.

Package Details

The package includes anti-personnel landmines, ammunition for Himars precision rocket launchers, Stinger missiles, counter-drone systems, anti-armour weapons, and artillery ammunition. The US announced a first shipment of landmines to Ukraine last month, a major policy shift slammed by rights groups.

Reasoning Behind the Decision

US defence secretary Lloyd Austin has said that the decision to provide landmines was necessitated by Russian forces leading with dismounted infantry units instead of vehicles. The Ukrainians “have a need for things that can help slow down that effort on the part of the Russians,” Austin told journalists last month.

Outgoing Administration’s Efforts

The outgoing US administration is working to get as much aid as possible to Ukraine before Trump, who has repeatedly criticised US assistance for Kyiv, claiming he could secure a ceasefire within hours, takes over the presidency.

‘Spend Every Dollar’

Trump’s comments have triggered fears in Kyiv and Europe about the future of US aid, and Ukraine’s ability to withstand Russian attacks in the absence of further American support. On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that his country needed security guarantees from Nato and more weapons to defend itself before any talks with Russia.

Pentagon’s Commitment

Pentagon spokesman major general Pat Ryder said Monday that all remaining US funding for Kyiv would be used. “At the president’s direction, we will spend every dollar that Congress has appropriated for Ukraine and to replenish our stockpiles,” Ryder told journalists.

Total Aid Available

Speaking prior to the announcement of the latest package, Ryder put the total aid that can still be drawn from US stockpiles at $6.8 billion, while more than $2.2 billion is available to procure weapons and equipment from the defence industry.

Austin’s Meeting with Ukrainian Counterpart

Austin spoke on Monday with his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov, providing “an update on the continued surge of US security assistance to Ukraine to provide the capabilities it needs to defend against Russian aggression,” the Pentagon said.

Conclusion

The US has been a key military backer of Ukraine, committing more than $60 billion in weapons, ammunition, and other security aid since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. The latest package demonstrates the US’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defence efforts and ensuring its ability to defend itself against Russian aggression.

FAQs

Q: What is the total value of the latest military aid package for Ukraine?
A: The package is valued at $725 million.

Q: What does the package include?
A: The package includes anti-personnel landmines, ammunition for Himars precision rocket launchers, Stinger missiles, counter-drone systems, anti-armour weapons, and artillery ammunition.

Q: Why is the US providing landmines to Ukraine?
A: The US is providing landmines to Ukraine because Russian forces are leading with dismounted infantry units instead of vehicles, and the Ukrainians need something to slow down that effort.

Q: How much aid has the US committed to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion?
A: The US has committed over $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.