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- U.S. to announce $2.3 billion in military assistance for Ukraine (newsbreak.com)
During a Pentagon meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov on Tuesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revealed plans for the U.S. to provide over $2.3 billion in military support to Ukraine.
This significant aid package, one of the largest since Russia’s invasion in 2022, aims to bolster Ukraine’s defenses with additional air defense interceptors, anti-tank weapons, and other critical supplies directly from U.S. stocks. Additionally, this assistance will fund the procurement of extra units of Patriot and National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) interceptors.
The decision to prioritize Ukraine for receiving Patriot and NASAMS interceptors comes following last month’s policy change, affecting other nations’ wait times for these systems originally ordered through the State Department’s foreign military sales program.
The aid announcement arises amidst the political backdrop of an upcoming presidential election rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, bringing the U.S.’s commitment level to Ukraine’s support into the spotlight, especially as the country braces for another harsh winter amidst conflict with Russia.
Austin emphasized the importance of addressing Ukraine’s urgent needs and strengthening its military capabilities for the future during his opening remarks at the meeting. The discussions also set the stage for the forthcoming NATO summit in Washington, D.C., later this month, where Austin and Umerov plan to explore Ukraine’s pathway to NATO membership.
Umerov voiced his hopes for Ukraine to soon be invited into NATO, underscoring the importance of the ongoing partnership and the goal to enhance Ukraine’s military capabilities and develop strategic plans.
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- U.S. to announce $2.3 billion in military assistance for Ukraine (newsbreak.com)