US promises to spend another $2.3 billion in weapons for Ukraine
The Pentagon has pledged to provide Kiev with more air defense interceptors and other “critical weapons.”
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, at the Pentagon on July 2 (local time). There, he said Washington would soon announce an additional $2.3 billion in military aid to Kiev.
Mr Austin also received updates on “dynamics on the ground” in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia and reassured Mr Umerov of Washington’s “unwavering support”.
During the meeting, US officials emphasized US efforts to meet Ukraine's "most urgent" military needs, including an additional $2.3 billion in security assistance "to be announced soon," according to press secretary Pat Ryder.
The Pentagon has yet to reveal the exact contents of the next batch of weapons, but it is reported that it will include a “significant number” of air defense interceptor missiles.
“I am proud that the United States will soon announce more than $2.3 billion in new security assistance to Ukraine. This package, under the president’s discretionary authority, will provide additional air defense interceptors, anti-tank weapons, and other critical weapons from the United States arsenal,” Mr. Austin said.
Kiev is believed to operate at least four Patriot systems supplied by the US and Germany, but Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has requested at least 25 to meet his country's needs in the conflict with Russia. Washington, however, has so far been reluctant to send more launchers, instead encouraging European allies to share their air defense capabilities with Kiev.
The Kremlin has repeatedly warned that foreign military supplies to Ukraine will not prevent Russia from achieving its goals but will only prolong the conflict. Moscow insists that supplying weapons, sharing intelligence and training Ukrainian soldiers means Western countries are directly involved in the war.
