The States are sending a new batch of weapons to Kyiv - including for strikes against Russia
The United States will send approximately $225 million in military aid to Ukraine, American officials announced yesterday. Today, the Associated Press reports details of the new package, which "includes munitions Kyiv forces can use to strike threats inside Russia to protect Kharkiv from a heavy Russian attack."
The American assistance, according to the AP, includes ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), as well as mortar systems and an assortment of artillery shells.
Also in the package: a number of artillery shells, including 155 mm for howitzers; missiles for the HAWK air defense system; Stinger anti-aircraft missiles; Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems; armored vehicles; patrol boats; spare parts and equipment.
According to a new US government directive, Ukraine can use such weapons to launch strikes on Russian territory if there is evidence that an attack is underway or is being prepared.
The change, however, according to US officials, does not change US policy, which directs Ukraine not to use US-provided ATACMS or long-range missiles and other munitions for offensive strikes against Russian territory.
Last month, the State Department approved an emergency sale of HIMARS systems to Ukraine for approximately $30 million. The State Department reported that Ukraine requested the purchase of three missile systems, which will be financed by the German government.
The AP notes that the new aid package comes after President Joe Biden gave a speech Thursday at the Normandy American Cemetery on the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy to promise that the United States "will not give up" on defending Ukraine and will not will allow Russia to “threaten most of Europe.” This, he said, would mean the US has forgotten “what happened here on these sacred beaches.”
The United States is sending a new batch of weapons to Kyiv, including for strikes against Russia.