KYIV: Ukrainian President Zelensky hailed Washington’s “unwavering” support after the US announced a new $1.3 billion defence package on Wednesday.
The new aid “will save lives of people in Ukraine, “President Zelensky wrote on his social media account. “We laud the unwavering support of the Americans.”
President Zelensky Hails Washington Support as Fresh Aid Announced
Earlier, the US announced the fresh $1.3 billion military package for Kyiv featuring anti-tank missiles, air-defence systems, drones, and other military equipment. In a statement, Pentagon said, “The new package is part of Washington’s efforts to meet “Ukraine’s pressing needs by committing critical near-term abilities while also building the lasting ability of Ukraine’s army,”.
The support will not directly arrive on the battleground, as it falls under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), under which the US procures equipment from the defence industry rather than drawing it from American stocks.
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The new package includes 4 NASAMs air-defence systems, TOW anti-tank missiles, drones, 152 mm artillery shells, and counter-drone systems, AFP reported.
The new announcement comes as Ukrainian troops are fighting to advance against Russian forces in a counteroffensive that Mykhaylo Podolyak, a senior advisor to President Zelensky, said Wednesday “will be quite tough and long”.
