US announces $1.2 billion in new military assistance for Ukraine

WASHINGTON

The US announced an additional security aid totaling $1.2 billion Tuesday to bolster Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s “special military operation,” said the Pentagon.

"Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced a new security assistance package to reaffirm the steadfast U.S. support for Ukraine, including to bolster its air defenses and sustain its artillery ammunition needs.

"This package, which totals up to $1.2 billion, is being provided under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI)," it said in a statement.

The package includes additional air defense systems and munitions, equipment to integrate Western air defense launchers, missiles and radars with Ukraine’s air defense systems, ammunition for counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems, 155mm artillery rounds, and support for training, maintenance, and sustainment activities.

The Pentagon also said the package "underscores the continued U.S. commitment to meeting Ukraine’s most urgent requirements by committing critical near-term capabilities, such as air defense systems and munitions, while also building the capacity of Ukraine’s Armed Forces to defend its territory and deter Russian aggression over the long term."

"The United States will continue to work with its Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security assistance requirements," it added.