The United States on Monday unveiled a fresh military assistance package worth $725 million for Ukraine, including a second batch of landmines alongside anti-air and anti-armour weaponry.
Announcing the military package, the US defence department said that they providing another significant package of urgently needed weapons and equipment to the Ukrainian partners as they defend against Russia’s ongoing attacks.
The department also stated that this package is the part of the surge in security assistance that US President Biden announced on September 26.
The Biden administration is rushing to deliver billions in aid to Kyiv before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office, as future Ukrainian support remains uncertain under his leadership.
The package contents include anti-personnel landmines, HIMARS rocket launcher ammunition, Stinger missiles, systems to counter drones, anti-armour weapons and artillery ammunition, according to state secretary Antony Blinken's statement.
Last month's initial landmine shipment to Ukraine marked a significant policy change that drew criticism from human rights organisations.
US defence secretary Lloyd Austin explained that Russian forces' shift to infantry-led operations necessitated this decision.
Austin told reporters last month that Ukrainians require resources to impede Russian advancement.
The current administration aims to maximise aid delivery to Ukraine before Trump's presidency begins, given his repeated criticism of US support for Kyiv and claims of ability to achieve rapid ceasefire. Trump's statements have raised concerns in Kyiv and Europe regarding future US support and Ukraine's capacity to resist Russian attacks without American assistance.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Sunday that his nation requires NATO security guarantees and additional weapons before engaging in Russian negotiations.
Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder confirmed Monday that all remaining Ukrainian funding would be utilised.
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