US announces additional USD 500 million security assistance package for Ukraine

Wahington, DC [US], June 28 : US Department of Defence has announced an additional security assistance package, valued at up to USD 500 million, for Ukraine to meet its "critical security and defence needs."

The security package includes crucial capabilities to aid Ukraine's counteroffensive operations in its ongoing conflict with Russia and to strengthen its air defences.

"Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defence needs," the US Department of Defence said in an official release on Tuesday.

"This authorization is the Biden Administration's forty-first drawdown of equipment from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021. This package, valued at up to $500 million, includes key capabilities to support Ukraine's counter-offensive operations, strengthen its air defences to help Ukraine protect its people, as well as additional armoured vehicles, anti-armour systems, critical munitions, and other equipment to help Ukraine push back on Russia's war of aggression," the release said.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the US has condemned all acts by Moscow and has shown firm support to Ukraine, and its people. A week back, Blinken also noted the US commitment to working with the private sector to enable Ukraine's modernization and revitalization.

"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 release added.

The security assistance package apparently has additional munitions for Patriot air defence systems, stinger anti-aircraft systems, additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), demolitions munitions and systems for obstacle clearing, and mine clearing equipment, including High-speed Anti-radiation missiles (HARMs) and other small arms, grenade and night vision devices.

The security assistance of USD 500 million from the US to Ukraine came a day after President Joe Biden held a telephone conversation with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

US President Joe Biden on Sunday spoke with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and discussed the recent events in Russia, and also discussed Ukraine's ongoing counter-offensive. President Biden reaffirmed unflinching US support, which includes ongoing security, financial, and humanitarian assistance.

"President Biden spoke today with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine to discuss support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression. They discussed Ukraine's ongoing counter-offensive, and President Biden reaffirmed unwavering US support, including through continued security, economic, and humanitarian aid. The leaders also discussed recent events in Russia," the White House readout of Biden's call with Zelenskyy said.