US announces US$1.2 billion for Ukraine in new military aid package
- Ukraine is readying for a highly anticipated spring offensive against invading Russian troops, but latest assistance will not immediately arrive on battlefield
- Package brings total US military aid to Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022 to more than US$36 billion; Ukraine’s Zelensky welcomed ‘sign of solidarity’
The United States on Tuesday announced a new US$1.2 billion security assistance package for Ukraine to boost the country’s air defences and provide it with additional artillery ammunition.
Ukraine is readying for a highly anticipated spring offensive against invading Russian troops, but the latest assistance will not immediately arrive on the battlefield as it must still be procured from the defence industry or partners.
This avoids depleting US stocks, but means the assistance will take longer to reach Kyiv than equipment drawn directly from existing American military inventories.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the United States for the new assistance package, describing it as a “sign of solidarity” on the day Europe celebrates peace and unity on the continent.
“We appreciate this sign of solidarity with Ukraine shown on a symbolic day for us - Europe Day and the Day of Victory over Nazism in WWII. Together we’re moving towards a new victory!” Zelensky wrote on Twitter.
The new military aid package underscores the continued US commitment to Ukraine “by committing critical near-term capabilities, such as air defence systems and munitions, while also building the capacity of Ukraine’s armed forces to defend its territory and deter Russian aggression over the long term”, the US Defence Department said in a statement.
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