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According to a US official, the Biden administration is set to offer an additional $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine to combat Russia on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, the Biden administration pledged an additional $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine in the war against Russia, including deployments of additional howitzers, ammunition, and coastal defense systems.
On Wednesday, US President Joe Biden spoke on phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of the announcement, which included the delivery of 18 howitzers, 36,000 rounds of howitzer ammunition, and two Harpoon coastal defense systems, according to the Pentagon.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters in Brussels that the US and Ukraine are “working in lockstep to address Ukraine’s requests for new capabilities, particularly its need for long-range artillery, armor, and coastal defense.”
The latest weapons shipment arrives as Ukraine’s military depletes its stockpile of Soviet-era ammunition. Ukrainian officials have begged the West to supply more heavy weapons as the fight with Russia intensifies. According to Western intelligence and military experts, the battle is at a critical stage that will determine the conflict’s long-term conclusion. At the same time, Russia has gained a major artillery advantage around two important cities in eastern Ukraine.
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Weapons and equipment that can be immediately supplied from existing US stockpiles are expected to be included in the package and new contracts for long-term supplies for Ukraine.
Austin will meet with a working group of over 50 countries in Brussels on Wednesday to examine the problem.
Timeline of past military aid to Ukraine by the Biden administration
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, the US has supplied a series of weapons shipments to Ukraine, expanding the capabilities provided to Ukraine’s military as the battle has progressed. On the other hand, Ukrainian officials have been lobbying for more heavy weapons and have expressed dissatisfaction with how ammunition is being delivered piecemeal.
Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said Tuesday that the country has only gotten 10% of the military supplies requested by Kyiv from the West.
“Whatever efforts we make, no matter how skilled our army is, Ukraine will not be able to win this war without the help of our Western partners,” Mailer warned.
Since Russia’s invasion in February, the US has contributed more than $5 billion in security support to Ukraine, according to a Pentagon spokeswoman. The current shipment of weapons includes ammunition for HIMARS and tactical vehicles “to recover equipment,” as well as tens of thousands of secure radios, night vision devices, infrared sights, and “other optics,” according to the Pentagon.
What to expect from the new US support to Ukraine
Weapons and equipment that can be immediately supplied from current US stockpiles are expected to be included in the package, as well as new contracts for long-term supplies for the military.
The US will also give Ukraine $225 million in humanitarian aid, which will go toward “clean drinking water, necessary medical supplies and health care, food, shelter, and cash for families to purchase essential necessities,” according to the Biden administration.
Austin and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley were in Brussels on Wednesday for a meeting with a working group of roughly 50 countries to discuss the crisis.
