US announces USD 2 billion military aid package for Ukraine 

Pentagon spokesman General Patrick Ryder announced the package at a media briefing.

"Today’s announcement includes critical air defense capabilities to help Ukraine defend its people, as well as armored infantry vehicles and more equipment that Ukraine is using so effectively, including Javelin anti-tank missiles, artillery ammunition, and conventional and long-range rockets for U.S.-provided HIMARS [High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems]," General Ryder said.

The new package includes 250 Javelin units, 155mm artillery rounds, 120mm mortar rounds, 190 heavy machine guns with ammunition, 2 HAWK air defense firing units, 4 air reconnaissance radars, 20 counter-battery radars, anti-aircraft guns and ammunition.

• Earlier, CNN reported that the package would consist of USD 500 million worth of weapons and equipment taken directly from US stockpiles and about USD 1.7 billion worth of goods purchased from military contractors known as the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

• In addition, according to CNN, the US is not inclined to provide its F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, but has not objected to the provision of such aircraft by allied countries.