This week, the United States government announced a new military aid package for the Ukrainian Armed Forces valued at $425 million, shortly after a conversation took place between U.S. President Joe Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky. Notably, this package focuses on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities while also providing artillery ammunition and armored vehicles, among other items.
According to the official statement released by the U.S. Department of Defense, the package includes RIM-7 and Stinger missiles, as well as ammunition for the previously delivered NASAMS batteries to bolster air defense. Additionally, it includes rockets for HIMARS systems, 155 mm and 105 mm ammunition, Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems, as well as HMMWV multipurpose vehicles.
It’s worth noting that President Biden had also planned to host a summit this month with Western leaders currently supporting Ukraine’s war effort to coordinate ongoing efforts. However, this summit was postponed due to Hurricane Milton, which hit the U.S., and has been rescheduled as a virtual meeting for November. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III traveled to Belgium for meetings with NATO counterparts before attending a G7 meeting.
Lastly, regarding the discussion between the U.S. and Ukrainian leaders, it is noteworthy that Zelensky was able to present in detail his “victory plan,” aimed at ending the current war following Russia’s 2022 invasion. Zelensky outlined that, if his plan materializes, the conflict could be resolved by next year, contingent on several key factors, the most prominent being Ukraine’s entry into NATO to ensure long-term military support. Moreover, the occasion allowed the Ukrainian president to urge his ally to expedite the delivery of additional air defense equipment, given the expected increase in Russian air attacks once winter begins.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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