The U.S. is set to provide approximately $225 million in military aid to Ukraine, as per U.S. officials’ announcement on Thursday. This new aid package includes ammunition that could be used by Kyiv’s forces to defend the city of Kharkiv from a heavy Russian assault.
The officials revealed that the aid comprises munitions for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), mortar systems, and various artillery rounds. They shared this information anonymously since the aid is yet to be publicly announced.
With a new U.S. directive in place, Ukraine is now allowed to use such weapons to strike inside Russia if Russian forces are attacking or preparing to attack. However, the policy remains the same, prohibiting Ukraine from utilizing American-supplied ATACMS or long-range missiles and other munitions for offensive strikes inside Russia.
This fresh aid package coincides with President Joe Biden’s pledge during his speech at the American cemetery in Normandy on the 80th anniversary of D-Day. He vowed that the U.S. will stand by Ukraine’s defense and prevent further Russian threats to Europe, emphasizing the significance of remembering the sacrifices made on the historic beaches.
President Biden is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris on Friday.
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Reports suggest that Ukraine has already used U.S. weapons to strike inside Russia, including a recent incident where a HIMARS system targeted a Russian S-300/400 air defense battery in the Belgorod region. This aid package is deployed through presidential drawdown authority to expedite the transfer of systems and munitions from U.S. stockpiles to the war front.
In addition to the HIMARS munitions, the aid package includes missiles for the HAWK air defense system, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems, 155mm Howitzers, armored vehicles, trailers, patrol boats, demolition materials, and various spare parts and equipment.
Ukrainian officials have pushed for the ability to defend against attacks originating from Russian territory, particularly in Kharkiv, which has faced heightened Russian aggression due to its proximity to the Russian border.
In response to NATO allies allowing Ukraine to use their arms to attack Russian territory, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a warning stating that Russia could equip others with long-range weapons to target Western locations.
The additional HIMARS munitions are part of the U.S.’ efforts to enhance Ukraine’s utilization of these critical weapons. The State Department recently approved the emergency sale of HIMARS systems to Ukraine, with Germany funding the purchase of three rocket systems.
