Ukraine will acquire air-defense systems.
QUICK FACTS:
- President Joe Biden announced $3 billion in new military aid for Ukraine as their conflict with Russia crosses its sixth month.
- Biden said in his statement about the support that the eastern European nation will receive air-defense systems, artillery systems, and munitions as well as drones and other equipment.
- The donation is said “to ensure it can continue to defend itself over the long term,” and is part of an aid package being provided under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
- According to officials, the package will cover costs for the small, hand-launched Puma drones, the longer-range, catapult-launched Scan Eagle surveillance drones, and, for the first time, the British Vampire drone system, which can be launched from ships.
- Before it was made public, several officials reportedly discussed sending the aid to Ukraine under the condition of anonymity.
- The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine and State Department have issued new security alerts for Ukraine and again called for Americans in the region to leave.
- To date, the United States has provided about $13.6 billion in military aid to Ukraine
BIDEN’S ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE AID:
- Biden announced the aid as the formerly soviet nation is celebrating its independence from the Soviet Union, which came in 1991.
- “I know this Independence Day is bittersweet for many Ukrainians as thousands have been killed or wounded, millions have been displaced from their homes, and so many others have fallen victim to Russian atrocities and attacks,” Biden said.
- “But six months of relentless attacks have only strengthened Ukrainians’ pride in themselves, in their country, and in their thirty-one years of independence … The United States of America is committed to supporting the people of Ukraine as they continue the fight to defend their sovereignty,” Biden said.
BACKGROUND:
- Other NATO allies have also announced aid to the nation, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz saying his nation is providing more than 500 million euros (nearly $500 million) in aid.
- Germany’s move comes as the nation is struggling to find resources to span the upcoming winter, bracing for the possibility that the conflict will keep them from adequate access to oil.
- Germany’s aid is said to include rocket launchers, ammunition, anti-drone equipment, a dozen armored recovery vehicles, and three additional IRIS-T long-range air-defense systems.
- Canada has pledged $2.9 million in funding to Ukraine’s Peace and Stabilization Operations Program and about $950,000 to help advise Ukraine’s defense ministry.
