The Pentagon announced another $2 billion for Ukraine’s defense budget.
The financial aid comes in the form of a security assistance package that builds on previous aid provided to the war-torn Eastern European country.
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In this May 23, 2011 file photo, a launch vehicle launches a Lockheed Martin-built High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) during high desert combat training at the Yakima Training Center, Washington. (Tony Overman/Olympian via AP)
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin attends a press conference with Defense Minister Artis Public in Riga, Latvia, August 10, 2022. (Reuters/Ints Carnin)
In a statement Friday, the Department of Defense outlined the weapons offered in the new package, including 155mm artillery shells, mine clearing equipment, rocket system munitions, electronic warfare detectors, high-mobility artillery rocket system munitions and more.
The latest U.S. gift to Ukraine was announced to mark the one year anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
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“Today’s solemn anniversary is an opportunity for all who believe in freedom, rule and sovereignty to recommit to their long-term support for Ukraine’s brave defenders, and that Russia’s war stakes will take Ukraine far and wide. ,” the Secretary of Defense said. Lloyd Austin III.
President Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visit St. Michael’s Cathedral in Kiev, Ukraine on February 20, 2023, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine. (Reuters/Gleb Galanich)
Austin said it has “supported Ukraine over the past year, reflecting $32 billion worth of support, including over 1,600 Stinger anti-aircraft systems, over 8,500 Javelin anti-armor systems, 232 howitzers, and over 2 million rounds of ammunition.” 38 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and ammunition; Patriot Air Defense Batteries; 8 National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and other major air defense capabilities; cars; 31 Abrams tanks; and 90 Stryker armored personnel carriers.”
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Austin spoke positively about the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its members’ global contributions to the war effort.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stands on the podium during a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Kiev, Ukraine, July 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty, file)
“NATO is more united than ever, and America’s commitment to defending every inch of allied territory remains steadfast.A year after a war of aggression waged by permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, Allies and partners around the world stand united and resolute,” Austin wrote.
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“Putin’s reckless and illegal war is an all-out attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty and not a historic threat to European security,” he added.
