The administration of US President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced US$250 million in weapons and equipment for Ukraine, its final package for the year, as officials press the US Congress to renew aid in the new year.
“Our assistance has been critical to supporting our Ukrainian partners as they defend their country and their freedom against Russia’s aggression,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. “It is imperative that Congress act swiftly, as soon as possible, to advance our national security interests by helping Ukraine defend itself and secure its future.”
The package, drawn from Pentagon stocks, includes ammunition for artillery and air defense systems as well as anti-armor munitions and more than 15 million rounds of small-arms ammunition.
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The US Department of Defense said in a press release that Javelin anti-tank systems and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles would be among the weapons offered.
The US has provided about US$44.3 billion in military assistance since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February last year, according to the Biden administration.
Biden’s pleas to provide more funds for Ukraine before Congress left for its holiday break foundered on the opposition of Republican lawmakers. Some of them oppose aid outright, saying the situation at the US border with Mexico should be given priority, while others support assistance to Ukraine as well as to Israel and Taiwan, but demand that any legislation be tied to border and immigration restrictions.
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