Joe Biden administration announces major $2.5bn military aid package for Ukraine
The White House has announced a major military aid package worth $2.5bn for Ukraine.
Here's What We Know
The aid package will be divided into two parts: $1.25bn will be sent for the immediate transfer of weapons from Pentagon warehouses under the PDA programme, while the other half, worth $1.22bn, is earmarked for the long-term production of weapons and ammunition under the USAI initiative.
Ukraine will soon receive "critical weapons and equipment," including:
- anti-drone systems and ammunition for them;
- missiles for HIMARS rocket systems;
- 155-mm and 105-mm artillery shells;
- air-to-ground missiles;
- Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank grenade launchers;
- TOW missiles;
- fortification demolition equipment;
- communications equipment, clothing, software and more.
President Joe Biden stated:
This aid package will help the Ukrainian people defend their independence and freedom from Russian aggression. The U.S. will continue to support Ukraine until the last day of my term.
Biden said that his administration has used all funds appropriated by Congress to help Ukraine under USAI and the US stockpile weapons transfer programme.
Also, the USA will provide Ukraine with 15bn dollars, which are secured by future proceeds from frozen Russian assets - a corresponding agreement was signed by the Ukrainian Finance Ministry and the World Bank. These will be funds under the PEACE in Ukraine project and part of the US contribution of $20bn under the G7 initiative, which will be used for social and humanitarian needs.
Source: The White House
