US and UK announce new military aid packages for Ukraine

The UK government has announced the transfer of new military assistance to Ukraine in the field of air defense. The announcement was made during a meeting of the Joint Expeditionary Force defense ministers, Sky News reports.

The weapons worth more than $115 million will be purchased in the coming months through an international fund for Ukraine.

According to a representative of the British government, the weapons Ukraine will receive will increase its ability to protect critical national infrastructure, civilians, and personnel on the front line.

"The package will include radars to protect against indiscriminate Russian attacks, as well as weapons and a significant amount of ammunition," the statement said.

The Joint Expeditionary Force includes Great Britain, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. The alliance was created to act in the framework of UN peacekeeping missions, humanitarian actions, and deterrence of potential adversaries.

The United States has also officially announced a new defense support package for Ukraine worth $325 million. The full list of what the additional assistance consists of was published by the US Department of Defense on June 13.

The military aid package includes

• ammunition for NASAMS air defense systems;

• Stinger portable anti-aircraft missile systems;

• ammunition for HIMARS multiple-launch rocket systems;

• artillery shells of 155 mm and 105 mm caliber;

• 15 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles;

• ten Stryker armored fighting vehicles;

• Javelin portable anti-tank missile systems;

• anti-tank guided missiles with optical tracking and wire guidance TOW;

• AT-4 anti-tank grenade launchers;

• more than 22 million rounds of ammunition for small arms and grenades;

• explosive ammunition to overcome obstacles;

• means of supporting tactical secure communications;

• spare parts and other field equipment.

Ukraine will receive new assistance from the United States under the Joe Biden administration's program to withdraw weapons from the U.S. Army's stockpile. This could mean a faster transfer of military support.

"The United States will continue to work with its allies and partners to provide Ukraine with the capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs and long-term security support requirements," the Pentagon said.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 14/06/2023