Calay News
The United States has announced a new $1.2 billion military aid package for Ukraine aimed at improving their air defenses and providing additional ammunition for their artillery. This assistance is part of the Security Assistance Initiative for Ukraine and will be used to acquire defense equipment from the defense industry or allies rather than US stocks. The aid includes air defense systems and ammunition, anti-drone system ammunition, 155mm artillery shells, commercial satellite imaging services, and equipment to integrate Western systems with those currently in use in Ukraine, mainly Soviet-era weapons.
The assistance comes at a crucial time, as Ukraine’s air defenses have been key in countering Russia’s attacks, preventing Moscow’s forces from gaining control of the skies, and protecting the country against missiles and drones. Secret US documents leaked in late February detailed the imminent shortage of ammunition for Ukraine’s Soviet systems, which are an important part of medium- and high-range protection. Kyiv’s international allies have worked to reinforce Ukraine’s defenses with a combination of cutting-edge systems and older equipment from their stocks.
Since the start of Russia’s invasion, the United States has led the crusade to support Ukraine, quickly forging an international coalition to provide military backing to Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the new US package and thanked the US for its solidarity with Ukraine on a symbolic day for the country. With these new funds, US military aid to Ukraine totals over $36 billion since the start of Russia’s invasion.
