According to reports, the $275 million budgeted amount prioritizes air defense.
According to sources cited by Reuters, Washington is poised to deliver Kiev another security support package that will include anti-drone and air defense technology. On Friday, the $275 million plan is anticipated to be made public.
The news agency cited authorities and papers that stated that the security assistance would also include generators, 155mm ammunition, Humvee vehicles, and rockets for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). The report also claims that there are no specifics regarding the air defense apparatus. Additionally, before US President Joe Biden approves the aid package, its composition and quantity may alter.
The Presidential Drawdown Authority, which enables Washington to quickly and without congressional consent send military equipment, is anticipated to apply to the new action.
Since Russia started attacking Ukraine‘s energy infrastructure, providing the country with air defense systems has become a “essential priority” for Western nations, according to the US Department of Defense. Moscow accused Kiev of carrying out “terrorist strikes” on Russian structures, notably the vital Crimea Bridge, which gave rise to the ongoing bombardments.
Early in November, the Pentagon unveiled a $400 million security package for Ukraine that included more Stinger missiles, four Avenger air defense systems, and ammunition for the HAWK air defense system.
In the same month, Washington promised to provide another six National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) to Ukraine.
The US has given Kiev more than $19 billion in security aid since the conflict began.
Moscow has frequently warned Western nations that arming Ukraine with heavy weaponry puts them at risk of transgressing its “red lines” and might bring them into the conflict directly. Despite their denials that they are involved in the fighting, Washington and its allies continue to provide Kiev with weapons.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Kiev’s ability to send troops, as well as Western-supplied weaponry and equipment, to the front lines by rail, was compromised by the attacks on Ukraine’s power infrastructure.
