The United States announced a “new security assistance package” to support Ukraine’s air defense and artillery munitions needs. Thus, the new package includes air defense systems, ammunition and training funds.

The package, confirmed by the Defense Department on Tuesday, is up to $1.2 billion and is being provided under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).

“This package of USAI measures underscores the continued commitment of the United States to meet Ukraine’s most pressing needs by providing short-term critical capabilities, such as air defense systems and munitions, while strengthening the ability of Ukraine’s armed forces to defend its territory and deter long-term Russian aggression. “, the US Department of Defense said in a statement.

The package, first reported by the Associated Press, will be contracted and purchased from manufacturers, rather than drawn directly from Defense Department stockpiles. Instead of providing Ukraine with the weapons it needs now, the USAI packages are designed to create medium- and long-term supplies for Ukraine.

This includes the use of 155mm rounds and life support to enable Ukraine to better maintain existing systems and equipment.

The package includes financing:

• Additional air defense systems and ammunition.
• Equipment for the integration of Western launchers, missiles and radars into the air defense systems of Ukraine.
• Ammunition for unmanned aerial systems
• 155 mm shells
• Services of commercial satellite images
• Training and maintenance support.

With the announcement of the new package, the United States commits to providing Ukraine with $37.6 billion in military aid since the beginning of the Biden administration, including $36.9 billion since the start of the war in February 2022.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said at the end of April that the Ukrainian military has almost completed preparations for a counteroffensive against Russian troops. When it begins, it will mark a significant shift in the conflict.

Modern Western tanks, including German Leopard 2 and British Challenger 2, as well as other armored vehicles, such as American Bradley and Stryker, have arrived in Ukraine.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced two weeks ago that 98 percent of the military equipment promised to Ukraine has been delivered, totaling more than 1,500 vehicles and 230 tanks.

Sources: Reuters, The Guardian and CNN.

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