The United States announced on Monday (30) a security assistance package of US$ 2.5 billion for Ukraine. Washington is speeding up the provision of aid to Kiev before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. The Republican’s victory in November cast doubt on the future of US aid to the Ukrainians.
(RFI) “Today, I am proud to announce nearly $2.5 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, as the Ukrainian people continue to defend their independence and freedom from Russian aggression,” President Joe Biden said in a statement.
The figures announced on Monday include a military “reduction package” of US$1.25 billion, allowing the Pentagon to withdraw weapons from US arsenals and quickly send them to the battlefield. Another US$1.22 billion will be funded through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
Stockpile reductions
The Defense Department’s stockpile reductions will include drones, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), optically guided missiles, anti-tank weapon systems, air-to-ground munitions and spare parts, according to a separate State Department statement.
“The United States and more than 50 nations are united in ensuring that Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to defend itself from Russian aggression,” said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
An installment of almost a billion dollars in drones, ammunition and equipment had already been announced at the beginning of the month.
Biden’s outgoing administration is working to get as much aid as possible to Ukraine before Trump, who has repeatedly criticized US assistance to Kiev and said he could guarantee a ceasefire within hours, takes office on January 20.