US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken authorized on Friday an additional military aid package for Ukraine to help it resist “Russia’s aggression.” “Pursuant to a delegation of authority from President (Joe) Biden, I am authorizing our 42nd drawdown for Ukraine,” he said in a press release. “This assistance package includes dual-purpose improved conventional munitions (DPICMs or cluster munitions), a highly effective and reliable artillery capability to engage area targets that the United States has not previously provided to Ukraine. “It also includes additional precision aerial munitions, munitions for multiple launch rocket systems, 155mm howitzers, 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, air defense munitions, anti-tank missiles and rockets, more armored Bradley and Stryker vehicles, and other equipment essential to strengthening Ukraine’s brave forces on the battlefield and helping them retake Ukraine’s sovereign territory and defend their fellow citizens.
“This package contains critical security assistance totaling USD 800 million worth of arms and equipment from Department of Defense stocks,” Secretary Blinken pointed out.
“Russia started this unprovoked war against Ukraine. Russia could end it at any time by withdrawing its forces from Ukraine and stopping its brutal attacks against Ukraine’s cities and people.
“Until Russia does so, the United States and our allies and partners will stand united with Ukraine, for as long as it takes,” he added.
On a similar note, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed the new military aid package following months of debate over the controversial weapons that are banned in over 100 countries including key US allies.
“I’m not going to stand up here and say it is easy,” he told reporters at the White House. “It’s a difficult decision. It’s a decision we deferred. It’s a decision that required a real hard look at the potential harm to civilians. “And when we put all of that together, there was a unanimous recommendation from the national security team, and President Biden ultimately decided, in consultation with allies and partners and in consultation with members of Congress, to move forward on this strategy,” Sullivan added.
Source: Kuwait News Agency
