The United States has pledged significant military aid to Ukraine to support its upcoming spring offensive against Russian forces, according to AP NEWS. The aid package includes both equipment and ammunition, with over $500 million worth of ammunition and equipment being sent to Ukraine from military stockpiles to ensure rapid delivery to the warzone. The aid will include weaponry designed specifically to counter drone attacks, including the Iranian-made Shahed drone, which has been used extensively in attacks on Ukrainian cities.
As part of the package, the US will be sending nine 30mm gun trucks and ten mobile laser-guided rocket systems to assist in the counter-offensive. The US has also allocated $2.1 billion in longer-term aid through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which will fund the purchase of missiles, radar, satellite terminals, fuel tanker trucks, and additional training for Ukrainian forces.
The aid will help to change the dynamic on the ground, as the battle lines are currently relatively static, and neither side has gained much territory.
Dmytro Kuleba, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, stated as AP NEWS quotes:
We very much appreciate everything that the United States has done specifically in the last month to help our army prepare itself for the counteroffensive,
The Biden administration has upheld its commitment to provide Ukraine with a lot of what we need and set an example to other allies.
The US is committed to helping Ukraine advance and hold its position in the anticipated counteroffensive. This latest aid package follows previous aid packages, with weapons already bought using the security assistance funding beginning to make their way to the battlefield. This is crucial, as the Pentagon had been sending its own stockpiles of ammunition, which are also needed for American troop training, and there is a finite supply. The deliveries of 155 mm rounds Ukraine is receiving now include ammunition that was bought months ago through the USAI program.