White House and Pentagon unveil significant military aid initiative for Ukraine
WASHINGTON − On Thursday, the Biden administration disclosed a significant military assistance package for Ukraine, amounting to almost $8 billion, which includes munitions capable of reaching targets within Russia.
This announcement coincides with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House, where he is advocating for authorization to deploy long-range precision weapons into Russia, a request that has received no response until now.
Ukraine aims to target military airfields and ammunition storage facilities in Russia that are utilized by President Vladimir Putin to launch destructive assaults on residential areas and energy infrastructure.
President Joe Biden stated that he would allocate over $5 billion in military supplies from Pentagon reserves to Ukraine, utilizing the authority provided by Congress prior to the conclusion of his term in January. Additionally, the Pentagon is set to procure another $2.4 billion in air defense systems, drones, and bombs.
Among the notable weapon systems Biden announced is the Joint Standoff Weapon, a long-range bomb that can be launched from aircraft and reach targets up to 80 miles away. The current policy from the White House restricts Ukraine’s operations to areas in Russia that are near its border.
Biden also revealed plans to enhance training for Ukrainian pilots of F-16 fighter jets. His administration had shown hesitance in providing these aircraft, fearing it might escalate tensions and lead to a wider conflict with Putin.
“For nearly three years, the United States has united the world to support the people of Ukraine in their fight for freedom against Russian aggression, and ensuring Ukraine’s success has been a paramount objective of my administration,” Biden remarked in his statement.
Since the introduction of advanced weaponry like Abrams tanks and long-range artillery on the battlefield, Putin has not escalated the conflict. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the United States has supplied Ukraine with over $56 billion in military aid.
