The U.S. has announced a new military aid package of approximately $225 million for Ukraine, which includes ammunition for the defense of the city of Kharkiv from Russian threats. This aid includes munitions for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), mortar systems, and various artillery rounds. The officials providing this information requested anonymity as the aid has not yet been publicly announced.
Ukraine will now be able to use these weapons to strike across the border into Russia if Russian forces are attacking or preparing to attack. However, Ukraine is still directed not to use American-provided ATACMS or long-range missiles to strike inside Russia offensively, according to U.S. officials.
President Joe Biden emphasized the U.S.’ commitment to the defense of Ukraine during his speech at the American cemetery in Normandy on the 80th anniversary of D-Day. He pledged not to abandon Ukraine and allow Russia to further threaten Europe. President Biden is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris on Friday.
World
Biden authorizes Ukraine’s use of US-supplied arms inside Russia
7:20 AM, May 31, 2024
A Western official and a U.S. senator reported that Ukraine has already used U.S. weapons to strike inside Russia. A recent report also suggests that Ukrainian forces utilized a HIMARS system to target a Russian air defense battery. The new aid package is being provided through presidential drawdown authority to expedite support to Ukraine.
This aid package includes various missiles, air defense systems, anti-armor systems, Howitzers, armored vehicles, patrol boats, and other equipment. Ukrainian officials have requested the ability to defend against attacks originating from Russian territory, especially in Kharkiv, which has been under severe Russian assault.
In response to NATO allies allowing Ukraine to use their weapons to attack Russian territory, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of the possibility of providing long-range weapons to strike Western targets. The additional HIMARS munitions are part of the U.S.’ efforts to enhance Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
