A year after Russia invaded Ukraine, the Biden administration announced an additional $2 billion in new military aid. This brings the total taxpayer money provided to Kiev over the last 12 months to $32 billion. This is about five times the annual budget of Ukraine. military budget.
The $2 billion package offered under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) includes more ammunition, a range of small high-tech drones, and equipment to counter Russia’s electronic warfare capabilities. I’m here.
Pentagon made an announcement On February 24, Russian forces crossed the border into Ukraine, launching what the Kremlin called a “special military operation” to “demilitarize and de-Naz” its Western allied neighbors. February 24th, one year ago.
“Urgent Danger”
The West, led by the United States, sees Russia’s actions as a provocative act of aggression to prevent Ukraine from becoming a thriving democracy on Russia’s doorstep and a beacon of freedom and democracy in the region. There is
In a statement issued on Invasion Day, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin described Russia’s actions in Ukraine as “thousands of innocent Ukrainians killed, millions driven from their homes, countless It has injured and traumatized countless Ukrainians and caused tragedy and horror in sovereign United Nations member states.”
The Pentagon secretary said the conflict in Ukraine was the most “imminent danger” to Europe’s security since World War II.
He called it “a direct attack on the system of rules, institutions and laws that the world has built up at great cost since World War II” and called the Pentagon’s commitment to support Ukraine “as long as necessary”. I repeated my commitment.
“War with the West”
Russia sees its military operation as a preemptive strike against a neighboring country that has grown hostile towards Moscow and has strengthened its military power by working closely with NATO, the Kremlin’s main rival.
Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya said on Wednesday that Moscow sees the situation surrounding the conflict as “a war with the West for survival, our future, our children and our identity”.
Speaking at a special session on Ukraine at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, Nebenzia argued that Western countries have been implementing the plan for about a decade and that for them, “Ukraine is just a bargaining chip in this plan.”
The Russian diplomat’s remarks came as a majority of members of the United Nations General Assembly voted in favor of a resolution calling for Russia’s immediate and unconditional withdrawal from all Ukrainian territories.
Details of New Military Aid
The newly announced aid includes weapons to counter Russian unmanned systems and detect their electronic warfare capabilities, as well as several types of drones, including the upgraded Switchblade 600 Kamikaze drone.
There are also additional ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), additional 155 mm shells, and ammunition for the laser-guided rocket system.
Demining equipment, secure communications equipment, and funding for training and maintenance are also part of the new package.
The Pentagon said the new security assistance aims to “reaffirm U.S. unwavering support for Ukraine’s valiant defenders and strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses.”
“A year on, and with nearly 50 nations rallying to rush urgently needed assistance to Ukraine, the U.S. commitment has only grown stronger,” the Pentagon added.
“As long as it takes time”
The announcement of $2 billion in new aid comes days after President Joe Biden secretly visited Kiev, where he pledged $500 million in additional aid, adding that America’s commitment to Ukraine is long-term. I vowed to remain steadfast throughout.
Planning for Biden’s visit to Kiev was tight-lipped, with a relatively small group of aides briefed on the plan due to security concerns.
While in Kiev, Biden told Zelensky that the United States would support him “as long as it is necessary.”
“I will,” Zelensky replied in English.
Through a translator, the Ukrainian leader said Biden’s visit “brings us closer to victory” and thanked Americans and “all those who value freedom”.
more help
and a statement was issued A year after the invasion, the White House touted additional Pentagon military aid to Ukraine in light of what it called Russia’s “brutal and unprovoked aggression.”
The White House also noted that the Biden administration has begun disbursing $9.9 billion in grants to help Ukraine meet critical needs such as health care, education and emergency services.
The US is also preparing to deliver another shipment of critical grid equipment to Ukraine, including mobile generators for backup power.
The White House also said Biden would work with Congress to provide an additional $250 million in additional emergency energy assistance to Kiev and up to $300 million to neighboring Moldova.
Meanwhile, there are about 12 Republicans in the House. sign on A resolution introduced by Rep. Matt Gates (R-Florida) calling for a halt to all “military and financial aid” to Ukraine.
Dubbed the “Ukraine Fatigue” bill, it seeks to end US aid to Kiev while urging Russia and Ukraine to reach a peace deal.
The United States is the largest contributor of military and financial aid to Ukraine.
Earlier this week, the Biden administration announced a 32nd security assistance package using the Presidential Withdrawal Authority (PDA) for Ukraine from the US military stockpile.
This included features such as anti-aircraft surveillance radars and Javelin anti-tank weapons.