WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden announced a new $225 million aid package for Ukraine on Thursday, which includes a Patriot missile system aimed at enhancing the country’s air defenses against ongoing Russian air strikes.
The announcement came during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who welcomed the support but emphasized the need for US permission to use long-range missiles against deeper targets in Russia.
This Patriot system marks the second of its kind provided to Ukraine and is part of a broader commitment to supply advanced weaponry to help fend off Russian attacks, including a recent strike on a children’s hospital in Kyiv. The aid package also encompasses Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), and additional 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds.
Zelenskyy had previously urged for more US-made Patriot systems, asserting their importance in countering the approximately 3,000 bombs Russia reportedly drops on Ukraine each month.
In a collaborative effort, the US, Germany, and Romania announced plans to supply Ukraine with Patriot batteries, while the Netherlands and Italy will contribute components and a SAMP-T air defense system, respectively. Other allies, including Canada, Norway, and the UK, are also providing various air defense systems to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities.
The new Patriot system will be funded through presidential drawdown authority, allowing for rapid deployment directly from US military stocks. This follows a recent commitment of $150 million in weaponry and $2.2 billion in Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds aimed at long-term military support.
As the conflict escalates, the US and its allies remain committed to strengthening Ukraine’s defenses against Russian aggression.
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