US announces $1.2 billion in new military aid for Ukraine

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The United States on Tuesday announced a new $1.2 billion security assistance package for Ukraine to boost the country’s air defenses and provide it with additional artillery ammunition.

The package underscores the continued US commitment to Ukraine “by committing critical near-term capabilities, such as air defense systems and munitions, while also building the capacity of Ukraine’s armed forces to defend its territory and deter Russian aggression over the long term,” the Defense Department said in a statement.

The assistance comes in the form of Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds, which pay for procurement of equipment from the defense industry or partners rather than providing equipment from existing US stocks.

This avoids depleting US inventories, but means the assistance will take longer to reach the battlefield.

The package features unspecified air defense systems and munitions as well as equipment to integrate Western systems with Ukraine’s existing gear, which is mainly of Soviet vintage.

It also includes ammunition for counter drone systems, 155 mm artillery rounds, and commercial satellite imagery services.

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