By The United States has shown strong support for Ukraine by announcing a substantial security assistance package of $600 million. This aid includes resources such as demolition materials, equipment for safely removing landmines, artillery shells, and various types of weaponry. Remarkably, this announcement came just a day after the U.S. pledged an additional $1 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Kyiv.
This latest $600 million aid package is designed to meet Ukraine’s battlefield requirements and underscores the unwavering commitment of the United States to Ukraine’s cause.
However, it’s important to note that this military assistance won’t immediately reach the battlefield. It falls under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), a program through which the U.S. acquires equipment from defense industry partners rather than using its own military stockpiles.
These consecutive announcements of military aid coincide with ongoing efforts by the Biden administration to express continuous support for Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia, which has been ongoing for three months. Ukrainian troops are striving to break through Russian defences and clear extensive minefields.
Funding for this aid package is sourced from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which focuses on addressing future military needs.
In addition to this, the U.S. also recently announced a $175 million security assistance package for Ukraine, providing immediate ammunition and equipment from U.S. military stocks. This marks the 46th instance where the U.S. has utilized presidential authority to provide military assistance to Ukraine.
Notably, Russia has strongly criticized these decisions, branding them as criminal acts and alleging that the provided ammunition causes health issues.
Furthermore, the U.S. Army in Europe and Africa revealed that approximately 200 Ukrainian soldiers are currently receiving training on the M1A1 Abrams tank at U.S. Army training facilities in Germany. This training followed their participation in a Combined Arms Battalion force-on-force exercise.
In addition to military aid, the U.S. has also announced non-arms-related aid to Ukraine, totalling nearly $805 million. This includes $300 million for law enforcement, $206 million in humanitarian aid, $203 million to combat corruption, and $90.5 million for mine clearance. Additionally, previously frozen assets from Russian oligarchs, amounting to $5.4 million, have been transferred to Ukraine.
It’s worth noting that the aid announced this week is funded from allocations previously approved by Congress. President Joe Biden has requested an additional $21 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine for the latter part of 2023, although the exact amount and approval status remain uncertain.
