US pledges $400 million in military support to Ukraine

The US revealed a fresh military aid package worth $400 million for Ukraine on Friday.

This aid package consists of weapons that Ukraine has requested, such as Patriot missile system munitions, High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMAR) systems and ammunition, Stinger anti-air missiles, 155mm artillery rounds, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs), along with other equipment.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the United States and the international coalition will continue to support Ukraine in defending its freedom, as emphasized by President Biden.

This announcement signifies the second Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package following the approval of a $60 billion national security supplemental by President Biden, providing funding for Ukraine.

Last month, shortly after Biden signed the legislation, the US revealed a $1 billion PDA package for Ukraine. Biden mentioned that shipments of the equipment would start "in the next few hours." Just two days later, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin unveiled a historic $6 billion long-term investment plan to buy new equipment for Ukraine.

The $6 billion package, the largest announced by the US, falls under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). USAI differs from the PDA package as it involves contracting with the US defense industry to acquire new equipment, while PDAs utilize existing US stocks.

While some equipment under the PDA can arrive within days of the announcement, support under USAI takes longer. Austin mentioned that the Pentagon was committed to moving quickly to provide capabilities as soon as industry can produce them.

Officials have informed CNN that Russia is taking advantage of this delay to intensify its attacks on Ukraine while the country is still waiting for assistance. The delay in these shipments is further exacerbated by the lengthy wait for aid due to debates in Congress over the supplemental legislation.

Ukrainian authorities announced on Wednesday evening that Russia had launched numerous missiles and drones on Ukraine, specifically targeting energy infrastructure. According to a Ukrainian military source speaking to CNN on Friday, Russian forces managed to advance at least one kilometer into northern Ukraine during an attack on a border town the previous evening.

On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the situation, stating that Russia had initiated a new round of offensive actions in the northern Kharkiv region. In response, Ukraine deployed troops, brigades, and artillery to counter the Russian incursion.

Our military and military command were prepared for this situation and ready to confront the enemy with firepower. Currently, there is a intense battle taking place in the area. It seems that we have managed to halt the enemy using artillery fire.

CNN’s Jennifer Hansler also provided information for this report.

Editor's P/S:

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating toll that war takes on nations and their people. The US military aid package of $400 million, while significant, highlights the urgent need for continued international support. The delay in shipments due to debates and procurement processes exacerbates the challenges faced by Ukraine, providing Russia with opportunities to escalate its attacks.

The resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people in the face of relentless aggression is truly awe-inspiring. Their ability to mobilize troops, brigades, and artillery to counter Russian advances demonstrates their unwavering commitment to defending their sovereignty. The intense battle taking place in the Kharkiv region underscores the critical need for the timely delivery of promised aid, which could potentially save lives, preserve infrastructure, and strengthen Ukraine's position in the conflict.