According to a statement by the US Department of Defense, the new security assistance package includes ammunition for US-provided High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), air defense interceptors, and artillery rounds that Ukraine is using to defend itself, as well as anti-armor systems, small arms, heavy equipment transport vehicles, and maintenance support "essential to strengthening Ukraine's defenders on the battlefield" valued at up to USD 500 million.
"In addition, we are announcing a significant package of air defense capabilities, as well as artillery and tank ammunition, mortar systems, rockets, and anti-armor systems using $2.1 billion in Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds," the statement said.
Washington will also provide Kyiv with Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles; 11 tactical vehicles to recover equipment; 61 heavy fuel tankers; 10 trucks and 10 trailers to transport heavy equipment; testing and diagnostic equipment to support vehicle maintenance and repair; and spare parts and other field equipment, the statement added.
Ukrainian leader Volodomyr Zelensky has thanked US President Joe Biden for the new defence aid package.
"Grateful to the US for new large-scale $2.6 billion defense aid package for Ukraine," Zelensky said in a tweet.
He added: "We expect HIMARS ammunition, air defense missiles, artillery shells and other crucial tools. We’re preparing for the occupied territories liberation and value the unflagging support of the US president and the American people."
The United States has committed more than USD 35 billion in security aid to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February last year, according to officials.
"The United States will continue to work with its Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security assistance requirements," the Pentagon said in its statement.
Wednesday is day 406 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
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Source: IAR, PAP, defense.gov