President Biden announced on Wednesday that the U.S. will provide Ukraine with an additional $425 million in military aid as part of ongoing efforts to support Kyiv in its 32-month war against Russia.
The announcement followed a phone call between Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During the call, Biden outlined his commitment to increasing security assistance to Ukraine throughout his remaining time in office.
The aid package will include munitions for NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems) and HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems), along with RIM-7 missiles, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, Javelins, and other shoulder-fired anti-tank weapons.
Ukraine will also receive 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, TOW missiles, tactical vehicles, and additional small arms, ammunition, and grenades. Spare parts and equipment to maintain previously supplied U.S. weapons are also part of the package.
The military aid will be drawn from existing Pentagon stockpiles, with future stock replenishments funded by the $425 million package. This comes as part of Biden’s pledge to allocate all remaining congressionally approved funds, estimated at $5.5 billion, to Ukraine before the end of his term.
The White House indicated that more military aid packages would be announced in the coming months, including air defence interceptors, artillery systems, armoured vehicles, and infantry fighting equipment.
During their conversation, Zelensky shared his strategy for achieving victory over Russia, and the two leaders agreed to have their teams consult on further steps.
