The US government has promised Ukraine a new aid package worth billions for the long-term supply of weapons. The USA wants to provide Kiev with additional weapons and support worth six billion US dollars (5.6 billion euros) to defend against Russia’s war of aggression, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Friday. This includes, among other things, artillery ammunition as well as drone defense and arming the “Patriot” anti-aircraft systems.
According to previous information, contracts are to be awarded to American defense companies to build new equipment for Ukraine as part of a US financing program for Ukraine. This means it could take several months to years for the weapons to be delivered. Austin spoke at the conclusion of a virtual meeting of the U.S.-led contact group on support for Ukraine.
“We will not falter,” emphasized the defense minister, referring to US support for Ukraine, which was attacked by Russia more than two years ago. If Russian President Vladimir Putin wins, “the security consequences will be severe and global,” Austin said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously insisted on the delivery of longer-range missiles and anti-aircraft systems at the virtual meeting.
After months of domestic political impasse, the US Congress approved new aid worth around $61 billion for Kiev at the beginning of the week – thereby clearing the way for new arms deliveries. New US aid commitments for Ukraine had almost come to a standstill for months due to disputes between Democrats and Republicans because the previously approved aid had been used up.
US President Joe Biden announced an immediate new military package worth one billion US dollars on Wednesday, immediately after the law passed by Congress was signed. This primarily involved anti-aircraft equipment, artillery, missile systems and armored vehicles from the US military’s stocks. This means that this equipment will be delivered quickly to Ukraine – some of it is stored at US bases in Europe. The US is considered Ukraine’s most important supporter.