President Biden announced on Wednesday that he will be giving another $1 billion in military support to Ukraine after its leaders pleaded for more ammunition.
The latest package to be sent will include artillery rockets, rounds for howitzers, and anti-ship missiles.
The additional aid will bring the total amount of support the U.S. has provided Ukraine to $55 billion since Russia invaded over 110 days ago.
The latest push comes after Ukrainian officers reported that they were having trouble matching Russia’s shell inventory in rocket strikes and artillery battles.
“I informed President Zelensky that the United States is providing another $1 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, including additional artillery and coastal defense weapons, as well as ammunition for the artillery and advanced rocket systems that the Ukrainians need to support their defensive operations in Donbas,” Biden said in a statement.
The latest weapons package will include 18 howitzers, two Harpoon coastal defense systems, artillery rockets, 36,000 rounds of ammunition, secure radios, thousands of night vision devices, and funding for training.
The money will be sourced in part from Pentagon stockpiles and as well as the congressional Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
Biden also revealed that he will be providing aid to people whose lives are affected by the war.
“Today I am also announcing an additional $225 million in humanitarian assistance to help people inside Ukraine, by supplying safe drinking water, critical medical supplies and health care, food, shelter, and cash for families to purchase essential items,” the President said.
Western officials are saying the war is reaching a pivotal point. Russia refocused its efforts after invading forces were pushed out of the capital Kyiv. It has since shifted its focus to Donbas and could take control in weeks due to its significant military advantage.
French President Emmanuel Macros is requesting that Ukraine negotiate with Putin about ending the war.
In the meantime, other countries are coming to Ukraine’s aid. Germany and the United Kingdom have offered long-range artillery rockets and ammunition while Slovakia is promising helicopters.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin weighed in on the matter saying, “We can’t afford to let up and we can’t lose steam.”
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