The United States will soon announce an additional $2.3 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, which will include anti-tank weapons, interceptors and ammunition for the Patriot and other air defense systems, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said.
“I am proud that the United States will soon announce more than $2.3 billion in new security assistance to Ukraine. This package will provide more air defense interceptors, anti-tank weapons, and other critical munitions from U.S. stockpiles, within the President’s authority…and will be delivered to Ukraine,” the Pentagon press service quoted Austin as saying before the talks with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
The Defense Minister noted that the announced aid package will also allow the United States to purchase more Patriot and NASAMS air defense interceptors, which will be delivered in an accelerated time frame due to a change in the order of deliveries for some foreign military sales.
In addition, the Pentagon chief noted that ahead of next week’s NATO summit in Washington, the United States will take “steps to build a bridge to Ukraine’s NATO membership.”
He added that he looked forward to “the opportunity to discuss further ways to meet Ukraine’s urgent security needs and build a future force capable of withstanding Russian aggression.”
“Ukraine does not stand alone, and the United States will never waver in its support. Together with our 50 allies and partners, we will continue to provide the critical capabilities Ukraine needs to repel Russian aggression today and deter it tomorrow,” Austin assured.
In turn, Umerov thanked Austin for his comprehensive assistance and support.
“Thanks to this support, we have stopped Russia, stopped its aggression against people, our values and national interests. And we look forward to discussing with you how we could continue our partnership and become a NATO member in the future. I hope that Ukraine will soon receive an invitation. But for now, we will discuss how to increase our capabilities and plans,” Umerov said.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that Russia had dropped more than 800 guided aerial bombs on Ukraine in the past week alone. He called on the leaders of the countries to ease restrictions on the use of Western weapons to strike military targets in Russia. In particular, he said that Ukraine needs “the necessary means to destroy the carriers of these bombs, including Russian warplanes, wherever they are.”
