The Pentagon launched another batch of military aid to Ukraine on Wednesday, featuring support worth up to $200 million.
As part of the package, the 48th tranche of materials sent to Eastern Europe, the Biden administration plans to send 155mm and 105mm artillery shells, ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), AIM-9M missiles for air defense, and counter- unmanned drone system.
“This security assistance package is an important signal of the United States’ continued commitment to support the people of Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression,” the Department of Defense said in a statement.
Officials will send the aid through the president’s withdrawal authority, meaning it will come from current US stockpiles, and therefore can be delivered quickly.
An alternative method of delivering aid is to contract defense companies to produce it through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).
Lloyd Austin and Charles Q. Brown reaffirmed US commitment to Ukraine Wednesday during the Ukraine Defense Liaison Group.REUTERS
Biden administration officials have asked Congress to increase funds to help the war-torn country as soon as possible.
As of early October, the US had $5.4 billion in spending power and about $1.6 billion in authorized funds that the Pentagon plans to use to boost its own reserves, military officials said.
Congress was gripped by gridlock after eight House Republicans and a united bloc of Democrats ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) Oct. 3.
So far, Congress has approved about $113 billion in both military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, although not all of it has been delivered. Over $70 billion is earmarked for security assistance.
The White House has been scrambling to navigate the US response to the wars that have engulfed Ukraine and Israel.REUTERS
The Biden administration asked Congress for an additional $24 billion in aid in August.
“Security assistance for Ukraine is a smart investment in our national security. It helps prevent greater conflict in the region and deter potential aggression elsewhere, while strengthening our defense industrial base and creating high-skilled jobs for Americans,” the Pentagon added.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin gathered with his counterparts from about 50 countries on Wednesday in a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Liaison Group. The US-led organization works to coordinate arms shipments for Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently voiced support for Israel as it repels Hamas terrorists.REUTERS
Austin was joined by the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown.
“I thought after hearing this morning, but then also hearing later this afternoon [of] all their contributions by every country, I think we put Ukrainians in a good place,” said Brown. “I realize during the winter, it becomes more challenging, but … I believe based on what I heard today from each country, we are doing all the right things to push them to success.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also attended the meeting – the first time he has done so in person since Austin launched the monthly gathering last May.
A handful of House Republicans like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has denounced Ukraine’s additional funding.
The Biden administration is also seeking help from Congress to deal with the October 7 Hamas massacre that killed more than 1,200 people in southern Israel.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
