US Announces US$725mln in New Military Assistance to Ukraine
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The United States will send an additional US$725 million in military assistance to Ukraine, the State Department and Pentagon announced Friday.
The aid comes “in the wake of Russia’s brutal missile attacks on civilians across Ukraine”, and “the mounting evidence of atrocities by Russia’s forces”, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.
This newest package includes more ammunition for the HIMARS rocket system, the Department of Defense said in a separate statement, AFP reported.
It brings the total US military assistance to Ukraine to US$18.3 billion since the start of President Joe Biden’s administration, Blinken said.
The assistance will also include anti-tank weapons, anti-radiation missiles known as HARMs, vehicles and medical supplies, according to the Defense Department.
“We will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom and independence with extraordinary courage and boundless determination,” Blinken said.
“The capabilities we are delivering are carefully calibrated to make the most difference on the battlefield for Ukraine”.
Russia launched its "special military operation" in Ukraine on February 24, with the idea to "demilitarize and de-Nazify" the country, which has long pursued membership in the NATO alliance.
Since the start of the conflict, Ukraine has enjoyed increasing arms deliveries from across the Western world.
Commenting on Western arms deliveries to Ukraine, Moscow has described them as “pouring oil on the fire”.
Officials have also warned that NATO is “in essence at war” with Moscow, adding that the shipments to Kiev would be a “legitimate target” for Russian forces.
