New Delhi: US President Joe Biden signed a new $150 million weapons package for Ukraine on Friday, providing additional artillery munitions, radar, and other equipment in the latest in a series of transfers to help Kyiv repel Russia’s invasion.
“Today, the United States is continuing our strong support for the brave people of Ukraine as they defend their country against Russia’s ongoing aggression,” Biden said in a statement.
The United States has rushed $3.4 billion worth of armaments to Ukraine since Russia invaded on February 24, including howitzers, anti-aircraft Stinger systems, anti-tank Javelin missiles, ammunition, and recently-disclosed “Ghost” drones.
The new package will be worth $150 million and include 25,000 155mm artillery rounds, counter-artillery radar, jamming equipment, field equipment, and spare parts, a U.S. official said.
Last month Biden proposed a $33 billion assistance package for Ukraine, including more than $20 billion in military aid. Congress must approve the new funding package. House of Representatives and Senate leaders have said they want to move quickly, but have not yet said when they will vote on Biden’s request.
The new package was announced as Biden prepared to join other Group of Seven leaders in a video call on Sunday in a show of unity with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a day before Russia marks its Victory Day holiday.
(Vinayak)