Washington: The United States has unveiled an additional aid package worth USD 6 billion for Ukraine, earmarked for the procurement of crucial defense equipment, including Patriot and NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) air defense systems, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revealed on Saturday.
The USD 6 billion commitment, facilitated through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), will empower Ukraine to acquire new capabilities from US industry, Austin announced.
“This marks the largest security assistance package we’ve committed to date,” Austin stated during a press conference at the Pentagon, emphasizing the US’s swift action to deliver the supplies to Ukraine.
In addition to Patriot missiles, the USAI aid package encompasses counter-drone systems, artillery ammunition, air-to-ground munitions, and maintenance support, among other provisions.
The USD 6 billion allocation forms part of a broader USD 60 billion aid package recently signed into law by US President Joe Biden, which includes an immediate USD 1 billion aid disbursement, Austin added.
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The Department of Defense (DoD) hailed the aid package as a “historic new security assistance initiative” aimed at addressing Ukraine’s pressing battlefield requirements while reaffirming unwavering US support for the nation.
Following a virtual meeting of the 21st Ukraine Defense Contact Group, attended by Ukrainian Defense Minister Umerov and General Syrskyi, Austin and Air Force General Charles Q Brown Jr, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addressed reporters at the press conference.
During the virtual meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed for additional air defense systems to be dispatched to Kyiv to counter Russian airstrikes.
Reflecting on the collaborative efforts within the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Austin highlighted the substantial contributions made by member nations, totaling over USD 95 billion in security assistance to Ukraine.
“Ukraine is in dire need of more air defense systems and interceptors,” Austin stressed, emphasizing the urgency of bolstering Ukraine’s defenses.
Responding to inquiries about the significance of Patriot missiles, Austin cautioned against overreliance on a single solution, advocating for a holistic approach to integrated air and missile defense.
In urging allies to deter Russian aggression, Austin warned of dire consequences if Ukraine were to succumb to Russian influence.
USAI serves as the authority through which the United States procures capabilities from US industry or partner nations.
“The announcements this week underscore America’s enduring commitment to Ukraine’s defense,” Austin affirmed, commending the contributions of allied nations in supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts.
