The new package was aimed at helping the Ukrainian forces meet the emerging Russian offensive in the country’s east.
The United States has said it is sending $800 million in military aid to Ukraine in order to help the country fight Russia.
President Joe Biden made the announcement on Thursday, April 21, 2022.
According to the president, the new package was aimed at helping the Ukrainian forces meet the emerging Russian offensive in the country’s east.
Biden was optimistic that the fight will take a new shape, differently from that of the north around Kyiv, where Ukrainian forces successfully beat Russian forces back in the first six weeks of the war.
The newest round of US support to Ukraine will include 72 155mm howitzers, 72 armoured vehicles to tow them, 144,000 rounds of ammunition, and more than 120 Phoenix Ghost tactical drones recently developed by the US Air Force specifically to address Ukraine’s needs, Naija News understands.
“We’re in a critical window now… where they’re going to set the stage for the next phase of this war. And the United States and our allies and partners are moving as fast as possible to continue to provide Ukraine… the weapons their forces need to defend their nation,” the Pentagon quoted President Biden as saying.
Biden also announced that Russia-affiliated ships would be banned from US ports and that the US Treasury was putting up a fresh $500 million for Ukraine’s government so it can pay salaries and pensions and provide services.
He said unity between the US and allies in support of Ukraine is sending “an unmistakable message” to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“He will never succeed in dominating and occupying all of Ukraine. That will not happen,” Biden said.
In his remark via a Twitter post, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskky said he was grateful for Biden’s announcement.
“This help is needed today more than ever! It saves the lives of our defenders of democracy and freedom and brings us closer to restoring peace” in Ukraine, he said.