The United States announced Thursday new military aid to Ukraine, valued at $500 million, as part of its continued support for kyiv in the face of the Russian invasion. In a press release, Antony Blinken, the American Secretary of State, underlined the urgency of this support to enable Ukraine to defend itself against Russian attacks.
This new shipment, the 72nd since the start of the Russian offensive in February 2022, includes a wide range of military equipment: ammunition for Himars rocket launcher systems, artillery shells, drones, military vehicles, as well as protective equipment against chemical, radiological and nuclear threats.
Third aid since the beginning of December
This announcement was made in a context marked by an intensification of American military support in December. Two other large tranches were revealed this month: one for $988 million on December 9 and another for $725 million on December 2.
Our file on the war in Ukraine
This strengthening of support for Ukraine comes as President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on January 20, has often criticized the US policy of military aid to kyiv. The Biden administration thus seems to want to accelerate deliveries and show its firm commitment before the change of leadership.