US sends another $1 billion in defensive aid to Ukraine, State Dept breaks down what’s included

The U.S. almost doubled its defensive support for Ukraine Wednesday after President Biden introduced the approval of an extra $800 million in arms for the war-torn nation.

The choice got here simply days after the U.S. mentioned it might rush one other $200 million price of small arms, anti-tank and anti-aircraft defenses – pushing the whole U.S. provide of defensive gear for Kyiv to $2 billion during the last 12 months. 

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“Because the president mentioned in the present day, America stands with the forces of freedom in Ukraine,” State Division spokesman Ned Value advised reporters. “What’s at stake listed below are the rules of freedom. The precise to find out one’s personal future – a proper that Ukrainians have proven the world they may struggle to protect.”

Value mentioned the U.S. will ship a litany of arms to assist Ukraine as Russian President Vladimir Putin has continued his lethal battle for a 3rd week.

The U.S. is about to ship roughly 3,000 shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles, together with 800 Stinger anti-aircraft methods and a pair of,000 Javelin missiles. 

One other 1,000 Gentle anti-armor weapons, 6,000 VT-4 anti-armor methods and 100 tactical unmanned aerial methods may also be supplied.

Value mentioned one other load of small arms, together with 100 grenade launchers, 500 rifles, 1,000 pistols, 400 machine weapons and 400 shotguns will be included “along with over 200 million rounds” that might be supplied with the corresponding weaponry.

BIDEN APPROVES MORE ANTI-AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS, DRONES FOR UKRAINE, WARNS OF ‘LONG AND DIFFICULT BATTLE’

Ukrainian troopers participate in an train for using NLAW anti-tank missiles on the Yavoriv navy coaching floor near Lviv, western Ukraine on Jan. 28, 2022. 
(AP)

“Along with the U.S.-produced short-range air protection methods the Ukrainians have been utilizing to nice impact,” Value continued. “america has additionally recognized and helps the Ukrainians purchase from our companions and allies, further longer-range methods on which Ukraine’s forces are already skilled, in addition to further munitions for these methods.”

Value mentioned at the very least 30 nations have supplied safety help to Ukraine because the onslaught of Russia’s invasion final month. 

The State Division has additionally licensed “third celebration transfers” of protection gear that enables U.S.-made arms to be despatched to Ukraine from one other 14 international locations. 

“Because the president mentioned, this might be a protracted and troublesome battle, however America might be steadfast,” Value advised reporters.  “America will proceed to reply the decision. America, our allies and companions, we’re united in supporting Ukraine in its time of want.”

The U.S. has refused to produce Ukraine with MiG-29 warplanes that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly requested following an announcement by Poland that it might ship its planes to a U.S. base in Germany. 

A Ukrainian serviceman holds a child whereas crossing the Irpin River on an improvised path underneath a bridge that was destroyed by a Russian airstrike, on March 5, 2022.
(AP)

The U.S. has expressed concern that this might be negatively interpreted by Russia and may escalate the battle outdoors of Ukraine’s borders.

Zelenskyy has moreover requested that the U.S. and NATO institute a no-fly zone to assist cease Russian missile strikes. NATO as soon as once more rejected the request Wednesday.