US announces new $325 million security aid package for Ukraine

The Department of Defense (DoD) announced critical new security assistance for Ukraine, valued at up to $325 million, a press release on the official website says.

The capabilities in this package include:

• Additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);
• 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds;
• Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles;
• AT-4 anti-armor weapon systems;
• Anti-tank mines;
• Demolition munitions for obstacle clearing;
• Over 9 million rounds of small arms ammunition; 
• Four logistics support vehicles;
• Precision aerial munitions; 
• Testing and diagnostic equipment to support vehicle maintenance and repair;
• Port and harbor security equipment;
• Spare parts and other field equipment.

This is the thirty-sixth such drawdown of equipment from DoD inventories for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s ongoing aggression.

Earlier, CNN reported this information with reference to a statement by White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

“The package will include more ammunition for US-provided HIMARS rocket systems and anti-armor systems, as well as additional artillery rounds. The United States will continue to work with our allies and partners to help Ukraine defend itself to defend its democracy and protect its people,” Jean-Pierre said. 

The aid is “part of an ongoing effort to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia's brutal invasion,” she added.

• On April 10, Germany sent another military aid package to Ukraine, which included trucks, reconnaissance drones, and ammunition.

• On April 19, Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov announced that Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems had arrived in Ukraine.