New US aid package for Ukraine will be worth $2 billion - media

This was reported by the US Department of Defense.

“Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) is announcing a new security assistance package to reaffirm the steadfast support of the United States for Ukraine's brave defenders and strengthen Ukraine's air defenses. This package, which totals $2 billion, is being provided under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) as part of our commitment to Ukraine's long-term security.”

The new aid package includes:

•    Additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);

•    Additional 155mm artillery rounds;

•    Munitions for laser-guided rocket systems;

•    CyberLux K8 UAS;

•    Switchblade 600 UAS;

•    Altius-600 UAS;

•    Jump 20 UAS;

•    Counter-UAS and electronic warfare detection equipment;

•    Mine clearing equipment;

•    Secure communications support equipment;

•    Funding for training, maintenance, and sustainment.

“The United States will continue to work with its Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security assistance requirements for as long as it takes,” stated the Department of Defence. 

The same is stated by CNN, citing a US official.

"Unlike drawdown packages, which are pulled directly from US weapons stocks and can be shipped quickly to Ukraine, USAI packages are purchased or contracted from the industry. Though the aid can take far longer to arrive in Ukraine, it also signals a longer-term commitment to providing assistance to Kyiv in what the US sees as a protracted conflict against Russia," CNN writes. 

According to CNN, the new funding will be used for procurement and new contracts for equipment for Ukraine, including HIMARS missiles, 155mm artillery ammunition, several types of drones, anti-UAV equipment, demining equipment, secure communications, as well as funding for training and maintenance of equipment.

• On Monday, February 20, Joe Biden's administration announced a $460 million package of additional security assistance to Ukraine.