WASHINGTON: The United States is sending an additional $275 million in military aid to Ukraineincludes a large amount of ammunition and high-tech systems that can be used to detect and counter drones in the ongoing war with Russiain the ongoing war with Russia, according to the US official, the war is on with Russia, according to the US official.
The total amount of aid is smaller than most recent aid packages the United States has delivered, and it comes as many military officials and experts predict attacks will decrease over the winter. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Russia appeared to be easing military activities to regroup and launch a new offensive as the weather warms.
Officials said the latest aid package includes 80,000 rounds for howitzers and an undisclosed amount of ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Missile System, known as HIMARS. It also includes anti-drone systems and air defense systems, along with various HUMVEES, generators and other combat equipment. Officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the aid package ahead of its public release, scheduled for Friday.
Drone attacks by both sides are on the rise, making the detection of drone explosives crucial for Ukrainian forces. Russia bought hundreds of attack drones from Iran over the summer, and officials this week said Moscow is looking to do more.
Russian forces have stepped up their targeting of Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure including power plants, leaving thousands without electricity and heat as the winter months begin.
Additionally, several recent drone strikes hit two strategic Russian air bases more than 500 kilometers (300 miles) from the Ukrainian border earlier this week. Moscow blames Ukraine, which does not claim responsibility.
Including the latest aid, the United States has now committed to provide more than $19.3 billion in weapons and other equipment to Ukraine since the Russian attack on February 24. This aid will be provided through the president’s withdrawal authority, allowing Pentagon to take weapons from his inventory and quickly ship them to Ukraine.
The total amount of aid is smaller than most recent aid packages the United States has delivered, and it comes as many military officials and experts predict attacks will decrease over the winter. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Russia appeared to be easing military activities to regroup and launch a new offensive as the weather warms.
Officials said the latest aid package includes 80,000 rounds for howitzers and an undisclosed amount of ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Missile System, known as HIMARS. It also includes anti-drone systems and air defense systems, along with various HUMVEES, generators and other combat equipment. Officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the aid package ahead of its public release, scheduled for Friday.
Drone attacks by both sides are on the rise, making the detection of drone explosives crucial for Ukrainian forces. Russia bought hundreds of attack drones from Iran over the summer, and officials this week said Moscow is looking to do more.
Russian forces have stepped up their targeting of Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure including power plants, leaving thousands without electricity and heat as the winter months begin.
Additionally, several recent drone strikes hit two strategic Russian air bases more than 500 kilometers (300 miles) from the Ukrainian border earlier this week. Moscow blames Ukraine, which does not claim responsibility.
Including the latest aid, the United States has now committed to provide more than $19.3 billion in weapons and other equipment to Ukraine since the Russian attack on February 24. This aid will be provided through the president’s withdrawal authority, allowing Pentagon to take weapons from his inventory and quickly ship them to Ukraine.
