U.S. Announces More Than $1B In Military, Humanitarian Aid For Ukraine

Brussels/16.06.22/Turan: The White House on Wednesday announced another $1 billion in weapons for Ukraine, including anti-ship systems, artillery rockets and rounds for howitzers, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

“This morning, I spoke with President Zelenskyy to discuss Russia’s brutal and ongoing war against Ukraine. I reaffirmed my commitment that the United States will stand by Ukraine as it defends its democracy and support its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of unprovoked Russian aggression,” President Joe Biden noted in a statement.

The aid package, which comes as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin meets with allies at NATO, is the 12th U.S. security assistance installment for Ukraine since the start of the war on February 24.

"The Ukrainians are fighting a heroic fight" Austin told reporters in Brussels.

According to him, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was at a “pivotal” moment and the U.S. and allies cannot not lose focus on the three-month-long conflict.

“We can’t afford to let up and we can’t lose steam. The stakes are too high,” Austin said.

Here’s a breakdown of the weapons in the latest $1 billion security package for Ukraine, according to the Pentagon:

- 18 155 mm howitzers

- 36,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition

- 18 tactical vehicles to tow 155 mm howitzers

- Ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HMARS

- 4 tactical vehicles to recover equipment and spare parts.

The U.S. will also provide Ukraine with two Harpoon coastal defense systems, thousands of secure radios, night vision and thermal devices along with funding for training and maintenance support. That aid is collectively valued at $650 million.

Speaking to reporters in Brussels, Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley said that since the start of the Russian invasion, the Ukrainians have asked for 10 battalions of artillery. "Twelve battalions of artillery were delivered," he said.

The Ukraine Contact group has also delivered 97,000 anti-tank systems. "That's more than there are tanks in the world," he said. 

"They asked for 200 tanks; they got 237 tanks," Milley continued. "They asked for 100 infantry fighting vehicles; they got over 300. We've delivered, roughly speaking, 1,600 or so air defense systems and about 60,000 air defense rounds."

The HIMARS, or High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, will be an important addition to Ukraine's arsenal. The U.S. military is training HIMARS crews one platoon at a time in Germany. "By the end of this month, we will transfer HIMARs systems, ammunition and trained crews for operational use in the defense of Ukraine," Milley said.

Biden also announced an additional $225 million in humanitarian assistance for Ukraine to address needs like safe drinking water, critical medical supplies, food and cash for families to purchase essential items.

"U.S. security assistance and that of more than 40 Allies and partners continue to strengthen Ukraine’s position to defend its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, secure victories on the battlefield, and ultimately strengthen Ukraine’s position at the negotiating table," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

"We have imposed powerful sanctions on Russia, bolstered NATO’s deterrence and defense on the Eastern Flank, and provided historic levels of military and other assistance to Ukraine as it has bravely defended its territory and its freedom. Our resolve is unwavering.  We stand united with Ukraine," he added.

Alex Raufoglu

Brussels, Belgium