US provides new $125 million security aid to Ukraine
Package includes Javelin systems
The Biden administration has announced an additional $125 million in security assistance to boost Ukraine’s defence capabilities against Russia’s ongoing unprovoked full-scale invasion that is over two years old so far.
This new tranche of aid, the 64th by the United States since August 2021, is set to enhance Ukraine’s military efforts and coincides with Ukraine’s Independence Day on August 24, 2024.
The US Department of Defence announced that the latest aid package to address Ukraine’s urgent security needs in defence of its land and people against Russia includes counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (c-UAS) equipment and munitions, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) missiles, Javelin and AT-4 anti-armour systems, High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) ambulances, small arms ammunition, medical equipment, demolitions equipment and munitions, and spare parts, ancillary equipment, services, training, and transportation.
As Ukraine commemorated its Independence Day festivities on August 24, 2024, marking more than two and a half years since Russia’s full-scale invasion, the United States continues to demonstrate its steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defence against ongoing Russian aggression the US Department of Defence said in a statement.
The statement added that the international coalition of approximately 50 allies and partners also remains resolute in its support.
Meanwhile, Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder confirmed that US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin spoke with Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov on August 23, 2024.
According to Ryder, Austin congratulated the Ukrainian people on their Independence Day and reiterated the US commitment to aiding Ukraine. The conversation also included a detailed update on the latest $125 million aid package.
Both leaders emphasised their intention to maintain close communication as the situation evolves.
Featured image: Javelin is a single man-portable fire-and-forget medium-range antitank weapon system. Credit: Lockheed Martin
