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| US Announces Will Resend HIMARS and Patrol Boats Worth USD450 million to Ukraine |
Washington - The United States announced it will provide more military assistance to Ukraine in a deal that includes the High Mobility Artillery Rocket system (HIMARS) and patrol boats to protect the country's coastline.
Quoted from Al Arabiya, the National Security Council Coordinator for US strategic communications, John Kirby said the deal was worth $450 million. This is part of our commitment to help Ukraine defend its democracy in the face of unwarranted Russian aggression.
The aid package includes the new HIMARS system, tens of thousands of additional munitions for the artillery systems already provided and patrol boats to help Ukraine defend its coast and waters.
John Kirby said this was the thirteenth time President Joe Biden authorized a so-called presidential withdrawal since Russia invaded Ukraine. Since February 24, the US has provided Ukraine with more than $6 billion in security assistance. The courage and determination of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, let alone their fellow citizens, continue to inspire the world and we are committed to standing with them as they fight for freedom, Kirby said.
Meanwhile acting Pentagon Press Secretary Todd Breasseale provided details of the weapons to be delivered: 4 HIMARS, 36,000 rounds of 105mm ammunition, 18 tactical vehicles to tow 155mm artillery. The aid package also includes 1,200 grenade launchers, 2,000 machine guns, 8 coastal and river patrol boats.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the steady flow of US military aid continued to strengthen Ukraine's defenses, enhance its ability to defend its sovereign territory, and secure victory with hard-fought battles on the battlefield. And we will continue to provide important military capabilities to the brave defenders of Ukraine.
Previously, four HIMARS promised by the US a month ago have arrived in Ukraine. The arrival of the long-range rocket system was welcomed by the Ukrainian Minister of Defense, Oleksii Reznikov. "HIMARS has arrived in Ukraine. Thanks to my colleague and friend @SecDef Lloyd J. Austin III for these advanced tools! Summer will be hot for the Russian invaders. And lastly for some of them," tweeted Reznikov.