Washington launches a new package: arms worth 1.2 billion dollars
Ukraine has all the necessary resources to carry out the counteroffensive and to recapture the territories occupied by Russia in over 14 months of war: this is the message sent by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “They have what they need to continue to be successful in retaking territory that has been forcibly taken from Russia over the past 14 months,” Blinken said at a joint news conference with British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.
“It’s not just about the weapons, it’s about the training,” Blinken added. “We have to make sure that the Ukrainians can keep the systems we provide them, and it’s important, of course, that they have the right plans, again, to be successful.”
Meanwhile, the United States has announced a new arms package for Ukraine worth $1.2 billion. The package “reaffirms unwavering US support for Ukraine, strengthens its air defense and supports its artillery munitions needs,” said a Pentagon statement that explained how the new arms shipment includes defense systems air and artillery ammunition, especially 155mm ammunition for Howitzer systems.
Also included are ammunition for drone defense systems and funds for satellite imagery services and training. The package is funded by the Ukrainian Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) which allows the Biden administration to purchase weapons to be sent from the war industry instead of taking them from US military arsenals.
The Pentagon also confirmed that Kiev shot down a Russian missile – presumably a Kinzhal – using the Patriot system. “I can confirm that,” said Major General Pat Ryder, a Defense Department spokeswoman.
“I am grateful to the President of the United States and the American people for providing Ukraine with a powerful $1.2 billion defense assistance package. Together we are moving towards a new victory!” the Ukrainian president tweeted. Volodymyr Zelensky.
Source-www.adnkronos.com