US announces new US$725 million package for Ukraine including more mines
Weapons shipment marks an uptick in US aid for Kyiv before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20
The United States on Monday announced a new US$725 million military aid package for Ukraine that features a second tranche of landmines as well as anti-air and anti-armour weapons.
US President Joe Biden’s administration is working against the clock to provide billions of dollars in aid to Kyiv before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, after which future assistance for Ukraine will be in doubt.
Less than two months before Trump is set to be sworn in, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the package was part of efforts “to ensure Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression”.
It includes anti-personnel landmines, ammunition for HIMARS precision rocket launchers, Stinger missiles, counter-drone systems, anti-armour weapons and artillery ammunition, Blinken said in a statement.
The United States announced a first shipment of landmines to Ukraine last month - a major policy shift condemned by rights groups.
