(Dan Tri) – The administration of US President Joe Biden announced an additional military aid package for Ukraine with a total value of 2.6 billion USD on April 4.
Ukrainian soldiers operate US howitzers in Bakhmut (Photo: Getty).
The new US military aid package for Ukraine includes $500 million for new weapons such as rockets for the HIMARS multiple launch rocket system, ammunition for the Patriot air defense system, artillery shells and ammunition for light weapons.
President Joe Biden’s administration also allocated $2.1 billion in the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative fund to purchase weapons, ammunition and other equipment.
`The United States will continue to provide aid to Ukraine, to meet Kiev’s immediate needs on the battlefield and long-term security assistance requirements,` the US Department of Defense said.
Since the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out in February 2022, the West has poured significant military aid to the Kiev government.
Russia has repeatedly criticized the US and its allies transferring weapons to Ukraine, arguing that these moves only escalate and prolong the war.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also commented that the only way to force Russia to sit at the negotiating table is to continue arming Ukraine.
Ukraine has repeatedly said that the country needs 600-700 infantry fighting vehicles and 300 tanks from the West to help penetrate Russia’s defense lines.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has entered its second year, and US officials are increasingly concerned that Kiev’s arsenal of weapons, ammunition, and well-trained soldiers is running out.
Both Russia and Ukraine are pouring resources into the war in Bakhmut, a city that Washington believes does not have much strategic significance.
The US and its allies have pledged to provide hundreds of tanks and armored fighting vehicles to Ukraine, and are discussing measures to meet Kiev’s growing ammunition needs.