Washington:
America on Monday introduced a brand new $725 million army assist package deal for Ukraine that contains a second tranche of landmines in addition to anti-air and anti-armor weapons.
US President Joe Biden’s administration is working in opposition to the clock to offer billions of {dollars} in assist to Kyiv earlier than President-elect Donald Trump takes workplace, after which future help for Ukraine might be unsure.
Lower than two months earlier than Trump is about to be sworn in, Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned in an announcement that the package deal was a part of efforts “to make sure Ukraine has the capabilities it must defend itself in opposition to Russian aggression.”
It contains anti-personnel landmines, ammunition for HIMARS precision rocket launchers, Stinger missiles, counter-drone techniques, anti-armor weapons and artillery ammunition, Blinken mentioned in an announcement.
America introduced a primary cargo of landmines to Ukraine final month — a significant coverage shift slammed by rights teams.
US Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin has mentioned that the choice was necessitated by Russian forces main with dismounted infantry items as an alternative of autos.
The Ukrainians “have a necessity for issues that may assist decelerate that effort on the a part of the Russians,” Austin instructed journalists final month.
The outgoing US administration is working to get as a lot assist as potential to Ukraine earlier than Trump — who has repeatedly criticized US help for Kyiv, claiming he might safe a ceasefire inside hours — takes over the presidency.
Trump’s feedback have triggered fears in Kyiv and Europe about the way forward for US assist, and Ukraine’s capacity to resist Russian assaults within the absence of additional American help.
America has been a key army backer of Ukraine, committing greater than $60 billion in weapons, ammunition and different safety assist since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned that his nation wanted safety ensures from NATO and extra weapons to defend itself earlier than any talks with Russia.
(Aside from the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is printed from a syndicated feed.)
