The US announced a new $225 million military aid package for Ukraine, which includes munitions for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), mortar systems, and artillery rounds, Associated Press reports.
This aid aims to support Ukraine in defending Kharkiv from Russian attacks and includes provisions for striking threats inside Russia if they pose an immediate danger. The new aid will include various defense systems and equipment like HAWK air defense missiles, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, Javelin anti-armor systems, Howitzers, and armored vehicles. However, Ukraine is still restricted from using US-supplied long-range missiles offensively within Russia, but recent reports indicate Ukraine has used US weapons to strike Russian targets, such as a HIMARS attack on a Russian air defense battery. The US also approved a proposed sale of additional HIMARS systems to Ukraine, funded by Germany, to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
US President Joe Biden reiterated US commitment to Ukraine’s defense in a speech commemorating D-Day, emphasizing the importance of preventing Russian threats to Europe. Biden plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris.
