REUTERS
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced Friday that the United States will provide Ukraine with a new military aid package worth $6 billion. This package will include anti-drone and missile defense systems, artillery munitions and air-to-ground projectiles.
At a press conference, Austin stated: “I am pleased to announce today an additional commitment of $6 billion through our Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which will allow Kiev to acquire new capabilities from American industry.”
The supply of this war material is expected to take years to reach Ukraine, as funds for its acquisition are allocated within the framework of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, Politico reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Defense Department spokesman Patrick Ryder announced Thursday that the United States has begun transferring weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, anticipating that the first deliveries will arrive within days, if not sooner. Ryder highlighted the Pentagon's strong logistics network that allows military material to be moved quickly.
President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed a national defense bill passed by the US Senate, allocating $95 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel and operations in the Indo-Pacific. The legislation includes a significant allocation of funds to replenish defense items and services to Ukraine, acquire advanced weapons systems, and fund US military operations in the region.
Among the provisions of the law is the provision of long-range army tactical missile systems (Atacms) to Ukraine.
Ukraine receives military support from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), led by the United States and which has most of the European Union countries among its members.
Russia has expressed concern about arms shipments to Ukraine, saying they hinder a peaceful solution to the conflict, and has warned NATO about the possible consequences of such actions.
