By Janet Ekstract
NEW YORK – In a formal statement on Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said the U.S. will be sending Ukraine an additional $1 billion in military assistance. Blinken issued the statement in a press briefing, commenting: “President Biden has been clear that we will continue to support the Ukrainian people as they defend their country from Russian aggression, for as long as it takes.” Blinken added that Biden authorized “our largest single drawdown since August 2021” of close to $1 billion in weaponry that includes arms, munitions and equipment from U.S. Department of Defense inventories, Blinken said “for Ukraine’s self-defense.”
The secretary of state explained that the newest military package provides a more expanded and “significant amount” of additional military equipment that he said the “Ukrainians are using so effectively to defend themselves.” Blinken reiterated that U.S. total military assistance to Ukraine now totals $9.8 billion since President Biden took office. He added that the U.S. “stands with Allies and partners from more than 50 countries in providing vital security assistance to support Ukraine’s defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russia’s aggression.” Blinken further explained that the Ukrainian military and the Ukrainian people have shown extraordinary courage in the face of Russian aggression and its assault on Ukraine. He also commented: “Together, we will continue to consult closely with Ukraine and surge additional available systems and capabilities carefully calibrated to make a difference on the battlefield and strengthen Ukraine’s eventual position at the negotiating table. We stand united with Ukraine.”
