Biden Administration Approves $1 Billion in Military Aid for Ukraine

It was reported on August 8 that the Biden administration announced a $1 billion security assistance package to Ukraine. This is the largest military aid since Russia began its full-scale invasion in late February.

The assistance reportedly consisted primarily of ammunition for long-range weapons and armored medical transport vehicles. This is the 18th tranche of U.S. military assistance to Ukraine, which will bring the total value of committed U.S. assistance to approximately $9.8 billion.

This military assistance consists primarily of ammunition for the HIMAS rocket system, 75,000 rounds of 155mm artillery ammunition, 20 120mm mortar systems, 20,000 rounds of 120mm mortar ammunition, and ammunition for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System or NASAMS.

To date, the U.S. has supplied 16 Seamaster systems to Ukraine.

In addition, the Pentagon announced that it would also send to Ukraine 1,000 javelins, hundreds of AT4 anti-armour systems, 50 armored medical vehicles, anti-personnel munitions, explosives, demolition munitions and demolition equipment.

U.S. Secretary of State John Blinken said in a statement that the United States would continue to consult closely with Ukraine and add additional military assistance to strengthen Ukraine’s final position at the negotiating table.