Last Update: January 07, 2023, 08:25 AM IST
Washington, United States
Ukrainian soldiers use their phones next to an APC on the front line on Orthodox Christmas during a ceasefire announced by Russia in the border region of Kremyna, Ukraine (Image: Reuters)
US officials told media persons that this military assistance is the largest security assistance package in total value that the US has committed to Ukraine
The United States announced a major military aid package on Friday ukraine Which is valued at more than $3 billion and includes 50 Bradley and dozens of other armored vehicles.
The aid – $2.85 billion from US inventories and $225 million in foreign military funding – does not include the advanced Western tanks sought by Kyiv, but would still provide significant additional firepower for its forces.
“This is the largest security assistance package, in total value, that we have committed to date,” Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Laura Cooper told reporters.
The marquee items in the package are the Bradleys, which come with 500 TOW anti-tank missiles and 250,000 rounds of ammunition for the 25mm autocannon.
“The Bradley vehicles will further enhance Ukraine’s ability to conduct complex maneuvers in nearly all weather conditions and terrain, particularly in the south and east of the country,” Cooper said.
Included in the package are 100 M113 and 55 MRAP armored vehicles, 18 155mm self-propelled howitzers, as well as artillery ammunition, mortar rounds, air defense missiles and various small arms.
The self-propelled howitzer would provide “greater protection and mobility” than artillery pieces previously provided, Cooper said.
He said the equipment would complement expanded US training for Ukrainian forces starting this month that would focus on large-scale maneuvers.
“We are enabling Ukraine to move forward and retake territory,” Cooper said.
Zelensky welcomes US aid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the new package as “timely and strong”. This brings total US military aid since Russia invaded in February 2022 to more than $24.2 billion.
“For the first time, we will receive the Bradley armored vehicle – this is what is needed. New guns and projectiles, including high-precision,” he said in his evening address.
Washington and Berlin announced the previous day that they would provide armored vehicles – Bradleys from the United States and Marders from Germany – but did not provide details.
Berlin said on Friday that it would send about 40 murder vehicles to Ukraine within weeks and that training would be provided on them in Germany.
Ukraine has long pushed for heavy weapons, including tanks, to aid its operations. Western countries have been reluctant to send them, citing fears of further involvement in the war or provoking Russia.
But the Ukrainians have built momentum and Western countries are expanding the weapons they send them.
The US-German announcement on armored vehicles came after France promised to deliver its AMX-10 RC light tanks, which are wheeled rather than tracked, but have a much heavier cannon like a tank.
The French move put Germany under new political pressure to do more to help Ukraine.
Germany also said Thursday it would follow the United States in sending Patriot missile batteries to Ukraine, meaning Kyiv’s military is expected to receive two advanced air defense systems.
read all breaking news Here
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)