The latest tranche of aid will boost the war effort of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukraine has received a whopping $62 billion in military aid since Russia-Ukraine war erupted in February 2022.
Russia-Ukraine war (File)
Russia-Ukraine war: In another major development amidst the recent escalation in the Russia-Ukraine war, outgoing US President Joe Biden has made a significant move before Donald Trump assumes charge on January 20 next month. The Biden Administration on Saturday announced a $988 million security assistance package for Ukraine.
Experts believe that the aid was announced because the Biden administration wants to spend the entire amount approved by the US Congress to strengthen Kyiv before the Trump administration takes office next month.
“Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced a significant new security assistance package to ensure Ukraine has the tools it needs to prevail in its fight against Russian aggression. This security assistance package commits an additional $988 million in support through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) that will provide Ukraine with munitions for rocket systems and Unmanned Aerial Systems,” the Pentagon said in a press release.
The latest tranche of aid will boost the war effort of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by allowing the US ally to purchase drones and ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), which it has used extensively to pound Russian targets.
According to the Pentagon, the package also includes support for maintenance and repair programs to help Ukraine reconstitute its forces and build and sustain combat power.
The capabilities in this announcement include ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS); and equipment, components, and spare parts to maintain, repair, and overhaul artillery systems, tanks, and armoured vehicles, according to the release.
Ukraine received $62 billion in US aid
Notably, Ukraine has received a whopping $62 billion in military aid since Russia-Ukraine war erupted in February 2022. The latest aid package of $988 million is separate from the $725 million military aid announced by the US last Monday.
“The process of providing this assistance will be started soon,” said US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Asked whether the incoming Trump Administration would continue the US military support to Ukraine, Austin said, ” our administration took the decision to help on its own. Similarly, the next administration will have to decide whether to continue assisting them (Ukraine).”
Denmark delivers second batch of F-16 jets to Ukraine
Meanwhile, Ukraine has acquired the second batch of F-16 fighter jets from Ukraine. This was revealed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who arrived in Paris to meet French leaders.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron and other world leaders, on Saturday at an event in Paris to celebrate the renovation of Notre Dame Cathedral after a devastating fire in 2019, said Ukraine has received the second batch of F-16 fighter planes from Denmark.
On the recent escalation in the Russia-Ukraine war, Zelenskyy claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not want peace, and has turned down several opportunities to end the hostilities