A new $300 million security assistance package for Ukraine was disclosed by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday.
“This most recent package will assist Ukraine as it heroically defends itself against Russia’s harsh, unjustifiable, and unprovoked aggression. Russia’s conflict could be over today. The United States and our allies and partners will support Ukraine until Russia acts, for however long it takes, Blinken added.
It is the 37th reduction in US weapons and equipment for Ukraine, according to the top US diplomat.
This is what’s included in the package:
- Additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS)
- 155mm Howitzers
- 155mm artillery rounds
- 120mm, 81mm, and 60mm mortar rounds
- Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles
- AT-4 and Carl Gustaf anti-armor weapon systems
- Hydra-70 aircraft rockets
- Small arms and small arms ammunition
- Demolition munitions for obstacle clearing
- Trucks and trailers to transport heavy equipment
- Testing and diagnostic equipment to support vehicle maintenance and repair
- Spare parts and other field equipment
Earlier Wednesday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the package comes after “extensive work by the US government over the past few months to fulfill Ukraine’s requests ahead of its planned counteroffensive and ensure they have the weapons and equipment they need.”
The White House said it will continue to work with allies to support Ukraine.
Previewing this aid package earlier this week, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby suggested the new package would be “very much focused on ammunition and clearing capabilities” to give Ukraine “what they need to break through Russian defenses.”
“They will be ready,” Kirby said.