• Friday, 22 November 2024

US announces new $100m military package for Ukraine

US announces new $100m military package for Ukraine

Kiev/Washington, 21 November 2023 (dpa/MIA) - Ukraine is receiving another military aid package from the United States to continue its fight against Russian forces, including much-needed ammunition for the Ukrainian army.

The package announced by the US State Department is worth $100 million and has already been authorized by the US Congress.

The arms package includes Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, a Himars multiple rocket launcher and artillery ammunition, among other things.

"There will be more artillery shells, which are particularly needed now," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his daily video message on Monday.

Zelensky said the aid was discussed during the visit of US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to Kiev on Monday.

Zelensky described the meeting as productive and thanked the US for maintaining its "leading role in providing assistance."

Austin said it was important to provide the right capabilities and to integrate them sensibly so that the right effects can be achieved on the battlefield.

He assured Ukraine that Kiev had "bipartisan support" in both chambers of Congress, despite the fact that some US politicians have questioned the need to keep US aid at the current level.

"It is critical for Congress to take action to support Ukraine by passing the president’s supplemental funding request," said the statement from the State Department.