According to Blinken, the United States is providing "a significant package of critically needed weapons and equipment to Ukrainian partners," who are "defending themselves against aggression from Russia."
The U.S. Secretary of State noted that the new military assistance package includes:
- ammunition for countering UAVs (c-UAS);
- air defense munitions;
- ammunition for HIMARS rocket systems;
- 155 mm and 105 mm artillery shells;
- air-to-ground munitions;
- Javelin anti-tank systems and Swedish AT-4 anti-tank guided missiles;
- tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided missiles (TOW);
- crew-served weapon ammunition, fragmentation grenades;
- demolition equipment and munitions;
- communication devices, training, software, clothing, and individual gear;
- spare parts and auxiliary equipment;
- training and transportation.
"The United States and more than 50 countries around the world have joined forces to provide Ukraine with the capabilities needed to defend against Russian aggression," Blinken summarized.
The Pentagon clarified that under the 73rd PDA package (Presidential Drawdown Authority), Ukraine will specifically receive munitions for NASAMS and Hawk air defense systems, Stinger missiles, and high-speed anti-radiation missiles (HARM).
Additionally, the U.S. announced an allocation of approximately $1.22 billion for the implementation of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) to provide Kyiv with additional air defense resources, air-to-ground systems, UAVs, and other capabilities to combat Russian aggression, the Pentagon added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on X that the U.S. package will strengthen Ukrainian defenders at the frontlines.
"This support comes at a critical moment when Russia is intensifying its attacks, even resorting to involving North Korean soldiers and continuing to receive weapons from North Korea and Iran. Every act of solidarity from our partners saves lives, strengthens our independence, and enhances our resilience. It also demonstrates that democratic nations are stronger than autocratic aggressors," the head of state wrote.
Zelensky expressed gratitude to Biden, Congress, and the entire American people for their unwavering support for Ukraine.
"We must continue to move towards peace through strength to achieve our common goal – peace by 2025, which is shared by Ukraine and all its partners. Ukraine, which defends itself daily against brutal attacks, relies on our strategic friends," the Ukrainian president concluded.
Ukraine deeply appreciates the United States’ steadfast support, especially as we approach the end of this challenging year. The nearly $2.5 billion in security assistance is a crucial contribution that will strengthen our defenders on the frontlines.
This support comes at a…