Oct. 27 (UPI) — The Biden administration has announced an additional security package of weapons, munitions and equipment for Ukraine to defend itself from Russia’s invasion.
The package was announced Thursday by the Department of Defense, and includes National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, AIM-9M air defense missiles, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds, as well as more than 2 million rounds of small arms ammunition.
Night vision devices, demolition munitions and cold weather gear were also included.
Valued at $150 million, the package is covered with funds that remain in the Presidential Drawdown Authority, which has been used 44 times since August of 2021 to aid Ukraine in its war against Russia.
“This new package of arms and equipment includes air defense, artillery, anti-tank and other capabilities, which will further enhance Ukraine’s capacity to defend its territory against Russian offensives while continuing its counter-offensive against Russia’s forces,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday in a statement.
“Ukraine’s forces are fighting bravely to reclaim territory seized by Russia’s forces, and this additional support will help them continue making progress.”
At about $44 billion in security assistance, the United States has been by far Ukraine’s largest backer as it has vowed to stand by Kyiv amid Moscow’s aggression. But the future of its support remains murky.
Additional funds earmarked by the Biden administration for the ally presented an obstacle to passing a spending bill needed to prevent a government shutdown late last month and were stripped from the legislation.
The Biden administration has repeatedly warned that funds for Ukraine will dry up. In August, the president asked Congress to provide an additional $24 billion in emergency funding to prevent that from happening.
The war in Israel may further complicate the picture, as the United States has also vowed to support the Middle Eastern country’s defense, and late last week, Biden requested Congress to sign off on $105 billion in supplemental funding to support the defenses of both countries.
“I thank @POTUS Joe Biden, the U.S. Congress and the American people for today’s military aid package,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted Thursday. “As winter approaches, strengthening air defense is critical to protect Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.”
