U.S. Announced A New $3.75 Billion Military Aid Package For Ukraine

On January 6, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced that the U.S. would provide a military aid package worth $3.75 billion to Ukraine and other countries affected by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This package includes the supply of “Bradley” fighting vehicles, self-propelled howitzers, armored personnel carriers, surface-to-air missiles, ammunition, and other items to Ukraine. The “Bradley” armored infantry fighting vehicle can launch anti-tank missiles, known as the “tank killer.” It can also be used for battlefield reconnaissance and to quickly transfer small groups of infantry in a relatively safe manner. The White House said it was the largest U.S. aid given to Ukraine to date and included $2.85 billion in weapons from Pentagon stockpiles, as well as $225 million in military financing to build long-term capabilities and support Ukrainian military modernization. The tranche of aid also includes $682 million in military financing for European allies to help fill a gap in their arms donations to Ukraine. According to the Pentagon, the direct aid to Ukraine included 50 “Bradley” fighting vehicles, 500 anti-tank missiles, and 250,000 rounds of ammunition for those vehicles. The U.S. is also supplying 100 M113 armored personnel carriers, 50 mine-resistant ambush-resistant vehicles, and 138 “Humvees”, ammunition for the “HIMARS” as well as air defense systems, other weapons, and thousands of shells. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in announcing the aid that the war is at a critical point and we must do everything possible to help Ukrainians resist Russian aggression.