New Delhi: The US government on Friday announced additional $725m weapons package and other military assistance for Ukraine. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on Friday that the aid follows “in the wake of Russia’s brutal missile attacks on civilians across Ukraine”, and “the mounting evidence of atrocities by Russia’s forces”.
As Ukrainian “defenders push back Russia’s forces”, the US stands united with Ukraine, Blinken said later in a tweet.
The Department of Defence of the United States said, Washington’s newest military package includes more ammunition for HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems) and brings the total US military assistance to Ukraine to $18.3bn since the start of Joe Biden’s administration.
The US has sent 20 HIMARS to Ukraine and has promised 18 more that would be delivered in the coming years. HIMARS has proven to be a critical weapon that has improved Ukraine’s ability to strike ammunition depots, bridges, and other key targets that erode Russia’s ability to resupply troops.
The United Kingdom said last week it would provide missiles for the advanced NASAM (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) the Pentagon plans to send to Ukraine. The UK also is sending hundreds of drones and 18 howitzer artillery guns.
Germany has sent the first of four promised IRIS-T air defense systems; France pledged more artillery, anti-aircraft systems, and missiles; the Netherlands said it would send missiles and Canada is planning to send winter equipment, drone cameras, and satellite communications.
However, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said that the Kremlin will not carry out ‘massive’ missile strikes against Ukraine for now. There was no need for more widespread attacks against Ukraine, such as those Russia launched Monday in retaliation for an October 8 truck bomb explosion on the Kerch bridge linking Russia to Crimea.
(Vinayak)