President Joe Biden announced a new $225 million aid package for Ukraine on Thursday during the NATO Summit in Washington, D.C. This package, which includes a Patriot air defense system, is aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defenses against ongoing Russian airstrikes. The announcement was made during Biden’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Key Points:
Aid Package Details:
The $225 million aid package features a Patriot air defense system, the second one pledged by the U.S. to Ukraine. This system will be provided under presidential drawdown authority, enabling rapid deployment from U.S. military inventory.
Zelensky’s Reaction:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the announcement as “strong news” and continued to urge the U.S. to permit Ukraine to use long-range missiles against targets deeper within Russia.
Additional Defense Systems:
The new aid package is part of a broader commitment announced by Biden at the summit. Contributions from Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Italy will provide Ukraine with equipment for five additional strategic air defense systems.
Collaborative Support:
A joint statement from the U.S., Germany, and Romania outlined plans to provide Ukraine with Patriot batteries. The Netherlands will supply components for another battery, and Italy will deliver a SAMP-T air defense system.
Future Aid:
Biden emphasized that the U.S. and its allies will continue to support Ukraine with “dozens of additional tactical air defense systems” in the coming months.
Recent Attacks:
The aid announcement follows a recent wave of Russian attacks, including a missile strike on a children’s hospital in Kyiv that killed at least 42 people. This attack was part of a larger barrage targeting five Ukrainian cities.
Comprehensive Support:
The $225 million package also includes munitions for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS), Stinger antiaircraft missiles, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems, and additional artillery rounds.
Previous Aid:
This new package follows last week’s U.S. pledge of $150 million in lethal aid and $2.2 billion in Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds for Patriot missiles, NASAMS air defense systems, and other weapons.
