According to a statement by the US Department of Defense, the new security assistance package includes "additional air defense capabilities, artillery ammunition, anti-tank weapons, and other equipment to help Ukraine counter Russia’s ongoing war of aggression and fight for its independence and freedom."
Specifically, Washington will provide Kyiv with additional munitions for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS); AIM-9M missiles for air defense; Stinger anti-aircraft missiles; and additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), the statement said on Thursday.
The package also contains 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds; Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles; Javelin anti-armor systems; more than 2 million rounds of small arms ammunition; night vision devices; demolitions munitions for obstacle clearing; cold weather gear; and spare parts, maintenance, and other ancillary equipment, according to the Pentagon.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year, the United States has rallied a coalition of nations in support of Ukraine and committed more than USD 43.9 billion in assistance to help the country defend itself, the US Department of Defense also said.
It added that President Joe Biden has asked Congress to approve a supplemental funding request that ensures the United States will continue to support its allies.
"The request, submitted last week, includes funds for additional weapons and equipment to help Ukraine succeed on the battlefield and shore up its economy and critical infrastructure as it defends against Russian aggression," according to the Pentagon.
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, launching the largest military campaign in Europe since World War II.
Friday is day 611 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
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Source: IAR, PAP, defense.gov/defense.gov, ukrinform.net