The United States has announced another $2.6 billion in military aid to Ukraine, a move that is sure to raise tensions even higher between the United States and Russia.
The announcement comes as Ukrainian troops prepare for a spring counteroffensive against Russia, which has been accused of backing separatist forces in eastern Ukraine since 2014. The Biden administration has made it clear that they are committed to providing Ukraine with the necessary resources to protect itself from further aggression.
Washington Examiner reports, on Tuesday, the Department of Defense announced a $2.6 billion military aid package for Ukraine.
As a result of his authority to take weapons from U.S. stockpiles, President Joe Biden authorized $500 million worth of ammunition for U.S.-provided HIMARS, air defense interceptors, artillery rounds, anti-armor systems, small arms, heavy equipment transport vehicles, and maintenance support.
Using the president’s drawdown authority, this aid could reach Ukraine within weeks.
Antony Blinken said in a statement “This new security assistance will allow Ukraine to continue to bravely defend itself against Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war, Russia alone could end its war today. Until Russia does, the United States and our allies and partners will stand united with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
The remaining $2.1 billion in aid will be provided through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which includes air defense capabilities, artillery and tank ammunition, mortar systems, rockets, and anti-armor systems.
DOD will provide Ukraine with additional munitions for its National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, nine 30 mm gun trucks to counter unmanned aerial systems, ten mobile c-UAS laser-guided rocket systems, three air surveillance radars, as well as more ammunition for GRAD rockets, artillery, and other weapons.
U.S. gun trucks and mobile c-UAS systems are being provided for the first time. Senior defense officials told reporters the expectation for the gun trucks is that they will be able to detect and intercept drones, including Iranian Shahed drones. Basically, it’s a 30 mm gun mounted on a truck. Since procurement is involved, it will take several months for that to be delivered to Ukraine.”
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen recently visited Ukraine, where she reaffirmed America’s support for the country and announced $1.25 billion in economic aid. Even while America struggles against the debt ceiling limits, and rampant inflation.
Yelen stated “Our funds help pay for emergency personnel: from firefighters who answer the call when missiles strike to medical professionals who treat sick and wounded civilians,”
As Ukraine’s war with Russia enters a second year, this is the first installment of a $9.9 billion package of civilian aid.
The announcement of the $2.6 billion military aid package to Ukraine comes as a scary development for many Americans, in light of the escalating tension between the United States and Russia. Some have accused President Biden of failing to make any progress with regard to improving relations between both sides and those calling for further economic sanctions against Russia are becoming louder. There are now concerns that this latest move could lead to destabilizing forces in a region already primed for an even larger potential armed conflict. Nations around the world are bracing themselves for what could lead to an all-out World War 3 scenario, and some fear that accelerating inflation in the US economy might make matters even more dire if such a war were to happen. It’s important not to rush into a fear-driven frenzy, but at the same time it’s crucial that we increase our vigilance and caution moving forward in defending ourselves against any potential aggression.
Let’s continue this conversation, in the comments below.
