Ukraine to receive millions more in weapons and military aid from US

Washington DC - The US on Friday announced a fresh batch of military aid for Ukraine, including ammunition, missiles, mines, and artillery rounds as Russia presses its assault on the Kharkiv region.

Ukrainian serviceman holds a MANPADS (Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems) Stinger anti-aircraft weapon as they scan for possible air targets onboard a Maritime Guard of the State Border Service of Ukraine boat as it patrols in the northwestern part of the Black Sea on December 18, 2023.
Ukrainian serviceman holds a MANPADS (Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems) Stinger anti-aircraft weapon as they scan for possible air targets onboard a Maritime Guard of the State Border Service of Ukraine boat as it patrols in the northwestern part of the Black Sea on December 18, 2023.  © Anatolii STEPANOV / AFP

Ukraine has been battling back in Kharkiv since May 10, when thousands of Moscow's troops stormed the border, making their biggest territorial advances in 18 months.

"The United States is announcing today a significant new drawdown of weapons and equipment for Ukraine to support the brave Ukrainian people as they defend their country," said Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

"This $275 million package, which is part of our efforts to help Ukraine repel Russia's assault near Kharkiv, contains urgently needed capabilities."

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Last month, US lawmakers passed a long-delayed $61 billion military aid deal for Kyiv after months of squabbling in Congress as Ukrainian forces suffered setbacks on the battlefield due to ammunition and funding shortages.

Since then, President Joe Biden has ordered five tranches of military aid to be sent to Ukraine.

"Assistance from previous packages has already made it to the front lines, and we will move this new assistance as quickly as possible," Blinken said.

More than 11,000 people in the wider region have been evacuated since Russia began its new offensive, according to local governor Oleg Synegubov.

Cover photo: Anatolii STEPANOV / AFP

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