WASHINGTON -- The United States is poised to unveil an additional $275 million in military assistance for Ukraine on Friday, as Kyiv grapples with Russian incursions in the Kharkiv region, according to two U.S. officials.
This allocation marks the fourth installment of military aid since Congress passed a long-awaited foreign aid bill last month. The Biden administration has pledged to maintain a steady flow of weapons to the front lines swiftly.
The aid package encompasses high mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS), munitions including 155 mm and 105 mm high-demand artillery rounds, Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems, anti-tank mines, tactical vehicles, small arms, and ammunition for those weapons, as outlined by the officials. Both officials spoke anonymously ahead of the public announcement.
This announcement follows a recent gathering of approximately 50 defense leaders from Europe and beyond, convened monthly to coordinate increased military aid to Ukraine. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, at the latest meeting, acknowledged Ukraine's current challenges amidst Russia's intensified offensive in Kharkiv. He reaffirmed the commitment to continuous weapon deliveries.
Amidst Ukrainian manpower and weapon shortages, Russia has capitalized on the situation, pushing Ukrainian forces back in certain areas while targeting civilian infrastructure.
Since President Joe Biden signed the $95 billion foreign aid package, including approximately $61 billion for Ukraine, the U.S. has initiated the deployment of nearly $1.7 billion in weapons from Pentagon reserves. Additionally, $6 billion in funding through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative has been announced, covering longer-term contracts with the defense industry.
With this latest commitment, the U.S. has now provided nearly $51 billion in military aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022.
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