U.S. officials say the United States will provide an additional $275 million in military aid, including large amounts of ammunition and high-tech systems that could be used to detect and counter drones in the ongoing war with Russia. I am sending it to Ukraine.
The total aid amount is less than most recent packages provided by the United States, as many military officials and experts predict a decline in attacks over the winter. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Russia appears to be delaying military activity in order to regroup and launch new offensives when the weather warms.
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Officials said the latest aid package includes 80,000 rounds of howitzer ammunition and an undisclosed amount of ammunition for a high-mobility artillery rocket system known as HIMARS. It also includes systems to counter drones and air defense systems, as well as HUMVEES, generators and other combat equipment. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the aid package before a public hearing scheduled for Friday.
Drone attacks by both sides are on the rise, making unmanned explosives detection critical for the Ukrainian military. Russia purchased hundreds of attack drones from Iran this summer.
Russian forces are increasingly targeting Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure, including power plants, leaving thousands without access to heat and electricity as winter sets in.
Additionally, several recent drone strikes hit two strategic Russian air bases more than 500 kilometers (300 miles) from the Ukrainian border earlier this week. Moscow blamed Ukraine for not claiming responsibility.
Including the latest aid, the United States has now provided over $19.3 billion in arms and other equipment to Ukraine since the February 24 Russian attacks. We will ship to Ukraine immediately.