Washington DC [US], December 30 (ANI): US President Joe Biden on Monday announced additional security assistance support to meet Ukraine’s critical security and defence needs, a statement by the US Department of Defence said.
The package includes authorization of a Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package, which has an estimated value of USD 1.25 billion, to provide Ukraine additional capabilities to meet its most urgent needs, including missiles for air defence; munitions for rocket systems and artillery; and anti-tank weapons, as per Department of Defence.
In a post on X, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, “As part of the surge in security assistance for Ukraine that President Biden announced in September, the United States is providing USD 1.25 billion in weapons and equipment today for Ukraine’s self-defence. The United States and more than 50 nations stand united with Ukraine.”
In addition, the Department of Defence announced an approximately USD 1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package to provide Ukraine with additional air defence, air-to-ground, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and other capabilities to fight Russian aggression.
This is the Biden Administration’s twenty-third USAI package and seventy-third tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.
The US continues to work together with some 50 Allies and partners through the Ukraine Defence Contact Group and its associated Capability Coalitions to provide the support Ukraine needs to prevail in its fight against Russian aggression.
“Today, I am proud to announce nearly USD 2.5 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, as the Ukrainian people continue to defend their independence and freedom from Russian aggression, a statement by the White House said.
Since Russia launched its further assault against Ukraine in February 2022, the United States has rallied the world to stand with the Ukrainian people, and it has been a top priority of mine to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to prevail, White House stated.
Today’s announcement–which includes an additional USD 1.25 billion drawdown package for the Ukrainian military and a USD 1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package–builds on this effort and will provide Ukraine with both an immediate influx of capabilities that it continues to use to great effect on the battlefield and longer-term supplies of air defense, artillery, and other critical weapons systems, a statement by White House said. (ANI)
Ukraine appreciates Biden’s announcement of 2.5 billion military aid before his final weeks in office
Kyiv [Ukraine], December 30 (ANI): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed deep appreciation on Monday for the United States‘ steadfast support following President Joe Biden’s announcement of USD 2.5 billion in military aid for Ukraine before leaving office next month.
Further, Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of this support, particularly as Russia intensifies its attacks, including the involvement of North Korean soldiers and ongoing weapons supplies from North Korea and Iran.
In a post on X, he said, “Ukraine deeply appreciates the United States‘ steadfast support, especially as we approach the end of this challenging year. The nearly USD 2.5 billion in security assistance is a crucial contribution that will strengthen our defenders on the frontlines.”
“This support comes at a critical moment, as Russia intensifies its assaults, even resorting to involving North Korean soldiers and continuing to receive weapons from North Korea and Iran. Every act of solidarity from our partners saves lives, strengthens our independence, and reinforces our resilience. It also demonstrates that democracies are stronger than autocratic aggressors,” he added.
Further, Zelenskyy extended gratitude to Biden, members of Congress, and the American people for their unwavering support since the onset of Russia‘s invasion in 2022.
“We extend our gratitude to President Biden @POTUS, leaders and members of both parties in Congress, and all American people for their unwavering support of Ukraine,” he said.
“From the very first days of Russia‘s aggression in 2022, the assistance of America and other partners, combined with the heroism, bravery, and determination of the Ukrainian people, has played a key role in enabling Ukraine to defend its sovereignty, liberate significant territories from Putin’s criminal forces, and restore freedom of navigation in the Black Sea,” he added.
Zelenskyy further emphasized the importance of continued unity against Russia‘s aggression and war crimes. “Russia and its evil axis accomplices speak the language of war crimes and intimidation,” he stated. “Together with the US and other partners who share our values, we must respond with strength, dignity and an unshakable commitment to freedom.”
Looking ahead, Zelenskyy reiterated the need to work toward peace through strength, with the shared goal of achieving peace by 2025.
“We must continue moving toward peace through strength to achieve our common goal of peace in 2025–a goal shared by Ukraine and all its partners. Ukraine, which defends itself from brutal daily attacks, counts on our strategic friends,” he said.
“Today, I am proud to announce nearly USD 2.5 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, as the Ukrainian people continue to defend their independence and freedom from Russian aggression,” as per White House statement.
Today’s announcement–which includes an additional USD 1.25 billion drawdown package for the Ukrainian military and a USD 1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package–builds on this effort and will provide Ukraine with both an immediate influx of capabilities that it continues to use to great effect on the battlefield and longer-term supplies of air defense, artillery, and other critical weapons systems. (ANI)
