US announces nearly $1B in new security aid package for Ukraine

WASHINGTON

The Pentagon announced Saturday nearly $1 billion in a new security assistance package for Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

"This security assistance package commits an additional $988 million in support through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) that will provide Ukraine with munitions for rocket systems and Unmanned Aerial Systems," it said in a statement.

"This package also includes support for maintenance and repair programs to help Ukraine reconstitute its forces and build and sustain combat power," it added.

The package includes ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and equipment, components, and spare parts to maintain, repair and overhaul artillery systems, tanks and armored vehicles, according to the statement.

It is the Biden administration's 22nd Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative package.

"The United States will continue to work together with some 50 Allies and partners through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and its associated capability coalitions to provide the support Ukraine needs to win the war," according to the statement.

The US has provided Kyiv with more than $62 billion in military aid since Russia’s “special military operation” began in February 2022.