U.S. Sends Ukraine More Advanced Rocket Systems

The White House on Friday approved another $270 million in security assistance for Ukraine, bringing the total aid committed to Kyiv since February to $8.2 billion, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

The new package includes 4 additional High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, 36,000 rounds of ammunition, and 580 Phoenix Ghost tactical drones, among other capabilities.

“The president [Joe Biden] has been clear that we’re going to continue to support the government of Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes,” White House National Security Council's John Kirby told reporters during his virtual press briefing.

The HIMARS and Phoenix Ghost have proved critical on the battlefield, according to the U.S. assessment, allowing Ukraine to destroy dozens of Russian targets and stay in the fight despite Moscow’s overwhelming firepower.

The aid packages have become routine, with the White House announcing a new tranche of similar capabilities pretty much every week.

In the meantime, Kirby hinted that Washington could soon provide Ukraine with a new capability: fighter jets. The Pentagon "is making some preliminary explorations into the feasibility of potentially providing fighter aircraft,” he said, though he cautioned that the move would not happen “immediately or even in the short term.”

"The people of Ukraine inspire the world as they defend their country and their freedom in the face of Russia’s brutal and unprovoked aggression," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

"The United States continues to stand with Allies and partners from more than 50 countries in providing vital security assistance to support Ukraine’s defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russia’s aggression" he added.

"Our commitment to the people of Ukraine will not waver.  We stand united with Ukraine," Blinken noted.

Alex Raufoglu

Washington D.C.