On 27 December, the US Defense Department (DOD) announced a security assistance package for Ukraine valued at up to $250 million. The aid package includes air defense capabilities, artillery, antitank weapons, and other equipment, according to the Pentagon’s press release.
“The latest round of assistance marks the 54th drawdown of military equipment for Ukraine from DOD inventories since August 2021,” the Pentagon reported.
According to the report, the capabilities in this package include:
- Additional munitions for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS);
- Stinger anti-aircraft missiles;
- Air defense system components;
- Additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);
- 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds;
- Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles;
- Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems;
- More than 15 million rounds of small arms ammunition;
- Demolitions munitions for obstacle clearing;
- Spare parts, medical equipment, maintenance, and other ancillary equipment.
DOD notes that the package comes during ongoing negotiations in US Congress regarding President Joe Biden’s supplemental request to Congress for crucial funding for military and humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Defense officials have cautioned that, without Congressional action, vital US support for Ukraine could be at risk during this critical period, given that Russia’s war in the region is approaching its two-year mark.
“The security assistance package announced today is likely the last until Congress authorizes additional funds,” the US Department of Defense says.
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