US announces $1.7bn in military aid to Ukraine
- 30 July, 02:47
The United States will provide $1.7 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, officials announced on Monday. The military package will include a large variety of munitions for air defence systems, artillery, mortars and anti-tank and anti-ship missiles. The package includes $1.5bn in funding for long-term contracts through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, and $200m in immediate military aid taken from Pentagon stockpiles. However, the defence department didn’t make clear which specific systems were being sent to Ukraine quickly, and which would be funded through contracts and so wouldn’t get to the war front for months or years.
The new military aid package includes immediate air defense support for Ukraine in the form of munitions for NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems) and HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems). Additionally, the package includes long-term contracts for weapons systems that will further enhance Ukraine’s air defenses and provide additional support for their overall military capabilities.
The White House has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, emphasizing that it provides “key capabilities” for the ongoing conflict. This marks the ninth such package since April, when Congress finally approved funding for Ukraine after months of delays.
John Kirby, the White House national security spokesman, acknowledged that there were concerns earlier this year that Russia might achieve a major breakthrough in the war by summer. However, he emphasized that Ukraine has managed to fortify its defenses and continue fighting effectively, thanks in part to the funding and support provided by the US.
