The United States announced an additional $250 million in military aid for Ukraine as the war-torn nation continues its fight against Russian forces.
The new package, aimed at addressing Ukraine’s evolving battlefield needs, was revealed on Friday by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during a Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting at Ramstein Air Base.
“I’m pleased to say that President Biden will announce today an additional $250 million security assistance package for Ukraine,” Austin stated. “It will surge more capabilities to meet Ukraine’s evolving requirements and will deliver them at the speed of war.”
The military aid is expected to include critical supplies such as ammunition for HIMARS precision rocket systems, artillery rounds, and anti-tank and anti-air weapons. This package comes at a pivotal moment for Ukraine as it faces intensified combat in key regions, with Ukrainian forces advancing into Russia’s Kursk region, while Russian troops push deeper into the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk.
Austin emphasized the urgency of the situation, pointing to the coalition of around 50 nations that have been united in their support for Ukraine.
“This coalition stands united and firm, and today we will push even harder to step up our support for Ukraine. This is a critical moment. Time is of the essence, especially with winter on its way, and we must all step up our support quickly,” he said.
The announcement followed an in-person meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and top US military officials, alongside representatives from Ukraine’s international allies. Zelensky used the occasion to underscore Ukraine’s pressing need for additional weapons and support ahead of the approaching winter months when fighting is expected to become more challenging due to harsh weather conditions.
