The US is ready to provide its full backing to Ukraine as it plans for a more vigorous counter-attack, reclaiming regions on their border.

Earlier today, it’s been reported that the Biden administration is getting ready to release $1 billion worth of US military assistance to Ukraine, which would support their coastal defense, artillery, and modern missile systems. However, President Joe Biden has not signed the papers yet. Sources close to the White House told Reuters that it’s possible the range and the coverage of the weapons package might change before the president signs.

However, for now, what’s been released in Antony Blinken’s press release is the $1 billion worth of military care package coverage.

“Pursuant to a delegation of authority from the President, I am authorizing our twelfth drawdown of arms and equipment from US Department of Defense inventories for Ukraine’s defense since August 2021, valued at up to $350 million. This authorization, combined with $650 million in additional assistance also announced today under the US Department of Defense’s Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, will bring total US security assistance to Ukraine to over $5.6 billion since Russia launched its brutal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24.”

The updated package will also include Pentagon’s approval to treat Ukrainian troops at a US hospital in Germany, the Landstuhl Regional Medical center. Back in June, the number of Ukrainian forces getting killed was about 100 to 200, and US medical assistance could help minimize this number.

HIMARS
U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 65th Field Artillery Brigade fire a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) during a joint live-fire exercise with the Kuwait Land Forces, Jan. 8, 2019, near Camp Buehring, Kuwait. (Source: U.S. Department of Defense/rawpixel)

New HIMARS will be included in this package funded by the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), allowing the president to transfer “articles and services from US stocks without congressional approval in response to an emergency.”

Zelensky Send His Gratitude to the American People

With the billions worth of military and humanitarian support sent to Ukraine since the war began, President Volodymyr Zelensky is grateful for this new package.

In an official video released by the Ukrainian government, Zelensky said this new package would be instrumental for their strategic defense in the Donbas region.

“The United States announced new strengthening of our defence, a new $1 billion support package,” Zelensky said in an evening address. “I am grateful for this support, it is especially important for our defence in (the eastern region of) Donbas.”

The Ukrainian president also added that in his conversations with President Biden, they discussed the tactical situation on the battlefield and how they could accelerate their victory. The heads of state also addressed potential sanctions and other ways they could prepare for the next phase of the war.

Zelensky’s been invited to speak at the NATO summit later this month, and he acknowledges how the US has been instrumental in coordinating unity with ally nations.

Zelensky had also been in conversation with the presidents of Malawi, Uruguay, Guinea-Bissau, and other nations in the EU to seek support.

With all of the support they’ve yet to receive, Zelensky also highlighted the bravery of Ukrainian soldiers who continue to risk their lives on the battlefield to protect the country’s freedom.

“Every day I fight for Ukraine to get the necessary weapons and equipment. But courage, wisdom and tactical skills cannot be imported. And our heroes have those”

The US continues to rally support to help Ukraine reach victory soon.

“US security assistance and that of more than 40 Allies and partners continue to strengthen Ukraine’s position to defend its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, secure victories on the battlefield, and ultimately strengthen Ukraine’s position at the negotiating table. We have imposed powerful sanctions on Russia, bolstered NATO’s deterrence and defense on the Eastern Flank, and provided historic levels of military and other assistance to Ukraine as it has bravely defended its territory and its freedom.”

“Our resolve is unwavering. We stand united with Ukraine.”

 

 

SOFREP will continue its coverage of the war. Subscribe to our newsletter to get daily SITREPs.