During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in France, Joe Biden announced the allocation of a new package of military aid to Ukraine. The package includes weapons worth $225 million.
Points of attention
- During a meeting with President Zelenskyy, Biden announced allocating a $225 mn new military package for Ukraine.
- An aid package may contain many essential items, such as missiles, machinery, and armoured trains.
- In addition to the US, France and Italy will transfer critical military equipment to Ukraine, including fighter jets and air defence systems.
- The new package will help the Ukrainian army strengthen its defences and respond to threats, possibly conducting strikes within Russia's borders.
What is known about the new US aid to Ukraine
Biden announced a new $225 million aid package for Ukraine, for which Zelenskyy thanked him. CNN reporter Natasha Bertrand reported this.
The media also reported that Biden apologised for the months-long delay in approving weapons for Ukraine.
Note that the contents of the package have not yet been officially disclosed, but according to the media, it may contain:
ammunition for HIMARS reactive artillery systems;
mortar systems and artillery shells;
missiles for HAWK air defence systems;
anti-aircraft missiles Stinger;
Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems;
155-mm calibre howitzers;
armoured vehicles;
patrol boats;
explosives and additional spare parts.
By the way, before this, the Associated Press wrote that the Ukrainian army would be able to use weapons from the new package, particularly to launch strikes against "threats inside Russia, to protect the city of Kharkiv.
Also, in order for the weapons to quickly reach the battlefield in Ukraine, they will be transferred from the existing stocks of the United States.
What assistance should Ukraine still receive?
On June 6, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that his country would hand over Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine. In addition, France will train Ukrainian pilots to fly these fighters.
Earlier it became known that Italy will transfer to Ukraine the second SAMP/T air defense system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the country, Antonio Tajani. The system will be included in the new — already ninth — aid package to Ukraine from Italy. It is at the stage of preparation.
