In Washington, The U.S. has recently announced a significant $400 million package of military aid for Ukraine. This aid comes at a crucial time as Kyiv faces challenges in defending against the advances made by Russian troops in the northeast Kharkiv region.
This marks the third installment of aid for Ukraine following the passage of supplemental funding by Congress in late April, after a prolonged period of political deadlock. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concern about the challenging situation in the east, emphasising that his country is determined to address it. He also mentioned the forthcoming delivery of new weapons from the United States, which he believes will enable them to effectively counter the threat.
The package includes a wide range of military equipment, including High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and rockets, munitions for Patriot and National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, various types of artillery, antiaircraft and antitank munitions, and a selection of armoured vehicles like Bradley and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles.
In addition, a variety of coastal and riverine patrol boats, trailers, demolition munitions, high-speed antiradiation missiles, protective gear, spare parts, and other weapons and equipment will be provided. The weapons are being sent through presidential drawdown authority, allowing for the swift deployment of systems and munitions from existing U.S. stockpiles to the war front.
Additionally, on Friday, the State Department gave its approval for a proposed emergency sale of HIMARS to Ukraine, with an estimated cost of $30 million. The department has announced that Ukraine has expressed interest in purchasing three rocket systems. The funding for this acquisition would be provided by the government of Germany.
The Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has concluded that there is an urgent situation that justifies the “immediate sale” to Ukraine. The systems will be sourced from Army inventory.
According to White House national-security spokesman John Kirby, the recent military aid package aims to provide support to Ukraine in countering the escalating Russian campaign to seize control of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.
Kirby mentioned that Russia has already made initial incursions into areas near the towns of Vovchansk and Lyptsi, close to Kharkiv.
“There is a possibility of Russia making additional progress in the upcoming weeks, however, we do not expect any significant advancements,” stated Kirby. “And as time goes on, the support from the United States will help Ukraine withstand these attacks throughout 2024.”
The U.S. has offered a significant amount of military assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, totaling approximately $50.6 billion.
Shortly after President Joe Biden signed the $95 billion foreign-aid package, the Pentagon swiftly declared its intention to send $1 billion in weapons using that drawdown authority. Shortly after, the Biden administration revealed a $6 billion package financed by the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. This funding will be used to establish long-term contracts with the defence industry, resulting in a potential delay of several months or even years before the weapons are delivered.
Russia has taken advantage of Ukraine’s ammunition and manpower shortages, capitalising on the decrease in Western supplies since the war began. Meanwhile, Congress has faced difficulties in passing the bill. According to Zelensky, Moscow has deployed significant military forces in the eastern and northern regions, resulting in a growing advantage on the battlefield.
Officials have not disclosed whether the latest package includes additional long-range ballistic missiles, specifically the Army Tactical Missile System, which Ukraine has been requesting. The U.S. discreetly dispatched a batch of missiles to Ukraine earlier this year, marking the first time such a move was made. The White House has expressed its intention to provide additional support in the future. During a particular incident, Ukraine utilised them to carry out an airstrike on a Russian military airfield located in Crimea.
Ukraine now has an extended striking distance of up to 190 miles with the new missiles, which is almost twice the range of the midrange version it received from the U.S. in October.
