US Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared that the US will provide Ukraine with an additional $625 million in security aid.
Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris called earlier on Tuesday and discussed the new aid program with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Blinken stated that United States President Joe Biden has already pledged that the US will continue to back Ukraine for however long it needed.
“At the UN General Assembly, President Biden made it clear yet again that we will support the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes. Recent developments from Russia’s sham referenda and attempted annexation to new revelations of brutality against civilians in Ukrainian territory formerly controlled by Russia only strengthens our resolve. United with our Allies and partners from 50 nations, we are delivering the arms and equipment that Ukraine’s forces are utilizing so effectively today in a successful counter-offensive to take back their lands seized illegally by Russia,” said Blinken.
He mentioned the Ukrainian military’s “successful counter-offensive to take back their lands seized illegally by Russia” as an example of how they were successfully leveraging US help.
“Pursuant to a delegation of authority from the President, I am authorizing our twenty-second drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for Ukraine since August 2021. This $625 million drawdown includes additional arms, munitions, and equipment from U.S. Department of Defense inventories. This drawdown will bring the total U.S. military assistance for Ukraine to more than $17.5 billion since the beginning of this Administration,” stated Blinken.
Blinken emphasizes that the United States will support Ukraine as they bravely defend their freedom and sovereignty.
“We will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom and independence with extraordinary courage and boundless determination. The capabilities we are delivering are carefully calibrated to make the most difference on the battlefield and strengthen Ukraine’s hand at the negotiating table when the time is right,” highlighted Blinken.
By Sophie Hodler