WASHINGTON: The United States (US) unveiled details of 2.6 billion dollars in new military aid for Ukraine in its war against Russian troops, including artillery rounds, ammunition for HIMARS precision rocket systems, and small arms.
The Pentagon said on Tuesday that the US would continue to give Kyiv capabilities to fulfill its immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security support requirements.
The package also includes munitions for NASAMS air defence Patriot systems and ammunition and anti-tank rockets used by Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles that the US previously promised to Kyiv, among other tools.
Most of the aid — 2.1 billion dollars — comes in the shape of Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds, which pay for receiving equipment from the defense industry.
The remaining 500 million dollars are drawn from existing United States stocks, meaning it will reach the battlefield sooner.
US spearheads drive
The US has spearheaded the drive for international support for Ukraine, hurriedly forging an international coalition to support Kyiv after Russia invaded in February last year and coordinating aid from dozens of nations.
Kyiv has tried for some items that its international backers have been reluctant to provide, including advanced heavy tanks and Patriot air defense systems– which were eventually pledged– and others such as Western fighter jets, which have not been promised so far.
