The United States has announced a $1.2 billion security assistance package for Ukraine to help boost the country’s air defenses and provide additional ammunition for their artillery. The package includes air defense systems, munitions, and equipment to integrate Western systems with Ukraine’s existing gear. However, the assistance will not immediately reach the battlefield since it needs to be procured from the defense industry or partners. This avoids depleting US stocks but means that the assistance will take longer to reach Kyiv than equipment drawn directly from existing American military inventories.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the new assistance, saying that they appreciate the solidarity shown on a symbolic day for them. The package features unspecified air defense systems and munitions, as well as equipment to integrate Western systems with Ukraine’s existing gear, which is mainly of Soviet vintage.
The assistance package also includes ammunition for counter-drone systems meant to foil the threat of Iranian-made uncrewed aircraft that Russia has used for strikes in Ukraine, as well as 155 mm rounds, a key type of artillery ammunition for Ukraine’s forces. It will also provide commercial satellite imagery services as well as support for training and maintenance.
The latest assistance brings the total US military aid to Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in February 2022 to over $36 billion.
