The Biden administration unveiled another $250 million aid package intended for Ukraine on Tuesday as the eastern European country’s retaliation against Russian military aggression continues.
The materials to be sent to the war-torn country include AIM-9M missiles for air defense, 155mm and 105mm artillery shells, ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), more than three million rounds of small arms ammunition, and an ambulance, according to the Department Country.
“Russia started this war and can end it at any time by withdrawing its troops from Ukraine and stopping its brutal attacks,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.
“Until that happens, the United States and our allies and partners will stand with Ukraine, for as long as it takes.”
The Biden administration has steadfastly supported Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. AFP via Getty Images
The AIM-9X Sidewinder is similar to the short-range air-to-air missile approved by the administration in its latest aid package. US Navy
Ukrainian soldiers use launchers with US Javelin missiles against Russian troops.AP
Ukraine is always trying to get more weapons from the US.Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images
US aid to Ukraine usually comes from either existing stockpiles through presidential production authority (PDA) or from contracting defense companies to produce them through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).
The $250 million package announced Tuesday will come from existing stock, meaning it should arrive faster than other methods.
Earlier this year, the Pentagon revealed it had overstated the price point of shipments to Ukraine to the tune of billions of dollars.
A Ukrainian cannon carries a 155 mm shell to fire an M777 howitzer at a Russian position. AFP via Getty Images
That’s because officials mistakenly tabulated the value of used equipment sent to Ukraine as if it had been purchased new, rather than using depreciated prices, according to defense officials.
As a result, the Biden administration has more room to send additional weapons to Ukraine in its battle to deter Russian aggressors.
Without that mistake, it is widely believed that the administration would have run out of funds for further aid to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is open to holding elections amid the war if it receives more support from the West. AFP via Getty Images
So far, Congress has approved more than $113 billion in both military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since Russia invaded February 22, 2022, according to the Defense Department’s Office of the Inspector General.
But not all those funds have been used yet.
In July, the Defense Department said it had provided $43 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Moscow’s invasion.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
