President Joe Biden has unveiled a substantial military assistance package exceeding $8 billion for Ukraine, coinciding with a visit from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
This commitment is aimed to bolster Ukraine’s efforts to repel ongoing Russian aggression.
A key component of the aid is the introduction of the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), a precision-guided glide bomb capable of striking targets up to 81 miles (130 km) away.
This medium-range missile will enhance Ukraine’s offensive capabilities, enabling strikes from a safer distance.
However, a U.S. official clarified that Biden will not permit Ukraine to use U.S. missiles for deeper strikes into Russia.
“We’re making clear that we stand with Ukraine now and in the future,” Biden stated to reporters before a bilateral meeting with Zelenskiy in the Oval Office.
He emphasised the U.S. commitment to helping Ukraine strengthen its battlefield position and revealed plans to allocate all remaining security funding by the end of his term in January.
Zelenskiy expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting the importance of securing Ukraine’s future within the European Union and NATO. Despite his ongoing quest for NATO membership, the alliance has refrained from granting this request.
The new aid package allocates $5.5 billion before the end of the U.S. fiscal year on Monday, when current funding authority will expire.
An additional $2.4 billion will come from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which allows the administration to procure weapons from manufacturers rather than withdrawing them from U.S. stockpiles.
“This will provide Ukraine with additional air defense, unmanned aerial systems, and air-to-ground munitions,” Biden explained, adding that it would also strengthen Ukraine’s defense industrial base and support maintenance and sustainment efforts.
As part of the package, the Defense Department plans to refurbish and provide an additional Patriot air defense battery and more missiles.
Biden also announced an expansion of training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots, with plans to support the training of 18 additional pilots next year.
Zelenskiy thanked Biden and the U.S. Congress for the new military aid, assuring that Ukraine would utilize the resources “in the most efficient and transparent manner.”
He expressed his appreciation for the critical items provided, including the Patriot battery, drones, and long-range missiles, stating, “I am grateful to the United States for providing the items that are most critical to protecting our people.”
Boluwatife Enome
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