US announces new $1.3 bln military aid package for Ukraine

AFP , Wednesday 19 Jul 2023

The United States on Wednesday announced a new $1.3 billion military aid package for Ukraine featuring air defense systems, anti-tank missiles, drones and other equipment.

Military Aid to Ukraine
In this image from US Department of Defense, US Army Soldiers fire the TOW missile system during a live fire at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on October 24, 2018. AFP

 

The package is part of US efforts to meet "Ukraine's pressing requirements by committing critical near-term capabilities while also building the enduring capacity of Ukraine's armed forces," the Defense Department said in a statement.

The assistance will not immediately arrive on the battlefield, as it falls under the Ukraine Security Assistance initiative, under which Washington procures equipment from the defense industry or partners, rather than drawing it from US stocks.

The package includes four NASAMs air defense systems and related munitions, TOW anti-tank missiles, 152 mm artillery shells, drones as well as counter-drone systems, and various vehicles.

The United States has spearheaded the push for international support for Ukraine, quickly forging an international coalition to back Kyiv after Russia invaded and coordinating aid from dozens of countries.

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