US announces $2.3 billion in military aid for Ukraine

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Tuesday that the United States will soon announce more than $2.3 billion in military aid to Ukraine, one of the largest aid packages committed to Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion.

“I am proud that the United States will soon announce more than $2.3 billion in new security assistance to Ukraine. This presidentially authorized package will provide more air defense interceptors, anti-tank weapons and other critical munitions from the U.S. stockpile,” Austin said during a meeting Tuesday at the Pentagon with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. “It will also allow the United States to acquire more Patriot and[National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System]interceptors.”

The administration announced last month that it would place Ukraine at the top of the list for Patriot and NASAMS interceptors, while other countries that had previously ordered them through the State Department’s Foreign Military Sales program will receive their interceptors on a delayed schedule.

The announcement comes as the presidential election revenge between President Biden and former President Donald Trump is placing more emphasis on the duration and quantity of U.S. support for Ukraine as it prepares for another cold winter battling Russia.

Austin, in his opening remarks at his meeting with Umerov, said he looked forward to discussing Ukraine’s immediate needs, as well as how to strengthen Ukraine’s strengths for the future.

The meeting came ahead of a NATO summit in Washington this month. Both Austin and Umerov said they would discuss Ukraine’s path to NATO membership.

“We look forward to discussing with you how we can continue our partnership” and become a future NATO member, Umerov said. “I hope that soon Ukraine will receive its invitation, but for now we will discuss issues, how to increase our capabilities and our plans.”