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US unveils $200m arms package for Ukraine

13.12.2023 21:30
The United States has unveiled a new USD 200 million arms package for Ukraine's defence against Russia.
US President Joe Biden (right) and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky (left) hold a joint news conference in Washington on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.
US President Joe Biden (right) and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky (left) hold a joint news conference in Washington on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.Photo: EPA/MICHAEL REYNOLDS

According to a statement by the UDepartment of Defense, the new security assistance package includes "additional air defense capabilities, artillery ammunition, anti-tank weapons, and other equipment to help Ukraine counter Russia's ongoing war of aggression."

Specifically, Washington will provide Kyiv with AIM-9M missiles for air defense; air defense system components; additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds; high-speed anti-radiation missiles (HARMs); and Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles, the statement said on Tuesday.

The package also contains Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems; more than 4 million rounds of small arms ammunition; demolitions munitions for obstacle clearing; equipment to protect critical national infrastructure; spare parts, generators, maintenance, and other ancillary equipment, according to the Pentagon.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year, the United States has rallied a coalition of nations in support of Ukraine and committed more than USD 44.2 billion in assistance to help the country defend itself, the UDepartment of Defense also said.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, launching the largest military campaign in Europe since World War II.

Wednesday is day 658 of Russias war on Ukraine.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, defense.gov, ukrinform.net