The United States announced a security assistance package of $250 billion for Ukraine on Monday. Prior to taking office, President-elect Donald Trump had raised concerns about providing aid to Kyiv, which Washington had been hesitant about. Trump’s electoral victory in November had cast doubts on the future of American assistance to Ukraine. However, before he took oath, the outgoing administration had already approved a limited-time distribution of billions of dollars in aid.
The assistance announced on Monday includes a $125 billion military “drawdown package,” allowing the Pentagon to swiftly deploy weapons from American stockpiles to the war zone. Another $22 billion will be allocated for Ukraine’s security assistance, primarily for funding defense industry purchases of military equipment from American suppliers or partners.
President Biden expressed pride in announcing the $250 billion security support for Ukraine, stating, “As the Ukrainian people continue to defend their independence and sovereignty against Russian aggression, I am proud to announce nearly $250 billion in security assistance to Ukraine.” According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, the drawdown from the Defense Department’s stockpiles will include drones, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), optically guided missiles, anti-tank weapon systems, air-to-ground munitions, and spare parts.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of ensuring that the United States and more than 50 other nations stand together to obtain the necessary capabilities to defend against Russian aggression. The previous month, nearly $1 billion worth of drones, munitions, and equipment had been announced for Ukraine.
As the Biden administration prepares to take over, it has been working to ensure that Ukraine receives significant assistance before Trump leaves office in January. Trump had faced criticism for delaying American aid multiple times and had claimed that a ceasefire could be achieved quickly in conflicts.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: December 31, 2024 8:01 am
