The United States Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced on Friday that it is allocating 300 million dollars in “security assistance” for Ukraine to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities, in addition to the 1.6 billion that Washington has committed ever since Russia invaded at the end of February.
The package includes laser-guided rocket systems, drones, ammunition, night vision devices, tactical secure communications systems, medical supplies and spare parts.
“This decision underscores the United States’ unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in support of its heroic efforts to repel Russia’s chosen war,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.
On Wednesday, US President Joe Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed “additional capabilities” to help the Ukrainian military, the White House said in a statement after the call.
In mid-March, Congress passed a funding bill that included $13.6 billion for humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine and NATO allies in Eastern Europe.
Shortly after, Biden announced a billion dollars in new security assistance for Ukraine.
Much of the military equipment the United States has given Ukraine comes from its own arsenal, through a process known as “presidential withdrawal.”
Unlike that process, the $300 million announced Friday will go to new military equipment contracts from the Pentagon’s defense industry partners.
In photos | Fortress scenes in kyiv
One of the technologies included in the announcement is more Switchblade tactical drones.
Later Friday night, The New York Times reported that, following a request from Zelensky, the United States had decided to facilitate the transfer of Soviet-made tanks from allies to Ukraine.
The decision would mark the first time the United States has helped transfer tanks, although no details were provided on which countries would be involved and how many tanks were being moved.
*With information from AFP
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