US to send USD 2.85 billion military aid package for Ukraine, making it largest to date

US officials made the announcement on Thursday, January 5, the Associated Press informed.

The aid totaling about USD 2.85 billion is the largest in a series of military equipment packages that the Pentagon has withdrawn from its stockpiles to provide to Ukraine. It is aimed at sustaining as many Ukrainian forces as possible through the winter months before spring arrives and the expected intensification of fighting begins.

The announcement is expected on Friday, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because details of the package have not been made public.

The aid package will also include HUMVEES, mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, or MRAPs, as well as large quantities of missiles and other ammunition, US officials said.

• On January 4, Biden confirmed that the US is considering supplying Bradley infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine. The vehicles are known as light tanks. France and Germany are ready to provide similar weapons to Ukraine. On January 4, Paris announced supplying Ukraine AMX-10RC light tanks and ACMAT Bastion armored personnel carriers.
• Оn January 5, Biden and Scholz announced a joint package of weapons for Ukraine, which included Bradleys, Marders and one more Patriot battery.
• On January 6, it was revealed that the German government provided a new batch of aid to Ukraine during the week, which included anti-drone systems, unmanned infantry fighting vehicles and armored vehicle trailers.