The Biden administration announced a new round of aid for Ukraine Monday as President Joe Biden visits Kyiv ahead of the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Monday he was authorizing a 32nd drawdown of American weapons and equipment for Ukraine since August 2021. The aid package is valued at about $450 billion, in addition to $10 million to support Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Biden announces $500 mn in new military aid to Ukraine during surprise visit to Kyiv
The new package will include artillery ammunition for the HIMARS system and Javelin anti-tank missile systemshttps://t.co/LKp1s1vlXl pic.twitter.com/VouudcTtht
— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) February 20, 2023
The aid will include ammunition for HIMARS and Howitzers provided to Ukraine by the U.S., javelins, anti-armor systems and air surveillance radars, Blinken said in a release. President Biden also announced news of the aid package during his visit to Kyiv Monday, during which he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“Russia alone could end its war today,” Blinken said. “Until it does so, we will stand united with Ukraine for as long as it takes to strengthen its military on the battlefield so that they will be in the strongest possible position at any future negotiating table.” (RELATED: Influential Policy Experts Send Message To Biden: Cut A Deal In Ukraine To Focus On Taiwan)
The United States has given more aid to Ukraine since Russia invaded nearly a year ago than any other country, with the total now nearing $200 billion. Some experts have warned that the U.S. is depleting its weapons and ammunition stockpiles too quickly by aiding Ukraine, potentially leaving Washington vulnerable in the event of a conflict with China in the Taiwan Strait. The Biden administration contends that it can handle the two issues at once, and that American aid is helping Ukraine fight back Russia’s invasion with great success.