As Ukraine prepares to launch a counteroffensive against Russian soldiers, the US on Tuesday unveiled a $1.2 billion security support package for Ukraine.
Along with 155 mm artillery rounds, more air defense systems, munitions, and drone ammo, the package also includes tools to “integrate Western air defense launchers, missiles, and radars” with Ukraine’s current systems.
On Monday, CNN reported that the announcement was anticipated.
The package, which was first reported by the Associated Press, will be covered under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which means it won’t be taken directly from Defense Department supplies during a drawdown but rather would be contracted and bought from manufacturers. The purpose of USAI packages is not to provide Ukraine with the weaponry it urgently requires, but to establish a medium- and long-term supply for Ukraine.
With the new package announcement, the US marks $37.6 billion in military aid to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden administration, including $36.9 billion since the beginning of the war in February 2022.
Even after the Ukrainian counteroffensive begins, the US will continue to send military aid to Ukraine, according to a US military official, both to sustain Ukraine’s military force against dug-in Russian troops and to provide new equipment.