White Home declares almost $1 billion in extra army support to Ukraine

The USA on Saturday introduced a brand new $988 million army help bundle for Ukraine in its conflict towards Russia, as Washington rushes to supply support to kyiv earlier than President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

Trump's victory within the November election has forged doubt on the way forward for US aid to Ukraineoffering a restricted window for billions of {dollars} in already approved support to be delivered earlier than he’s sworn in subsequent month.

The bundle consists of drones, ammunition for HIMARS precision rocket launchers, in addition to gear and spare elements for artillery programs, tanks and armored automobiles, the Pentagon stated in an announcement.

The help will probably be funded by way of the Ukraine Safety Help Initiative, beneath which army gear is bought from the protection business or companions reasonably than from U.S. stockpiles, which means they won’t instantly arrive on the battlefield.

This follows a $725 million program introduced Monday that included a second tranche of landmines in addition to anti-aircraft and anti-armor weapons.

The outgoing Biden administration is working to get as a lot support to Ukraine as doable earlier than Trump – who has repeatedly criticized US support to kyiv – begins his second time period within the White Home in January .

He additionally comes the same day as Trump held a gathering with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron after his journey to Paris to attend the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral following its intensive renovation following the 2019 fireplace.

Particulars of what occurred on the assembly weren’t instantly identified.

Trump's feedback sparked fears in kyiv and Europe about the way forward for U.S. support and Ukraine's skill to withstand Russian assaults within the absence of extra U.S. assist.

The USA has spearheaded the marketing campaign of worldwide assist for Ukraine, rapidly forging a coalition to assist kyiv after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022 and coordinating support from dozens of nations.

Ukraine's worldwide supporters have since offered tens of billions of {dollars} in weapons, munitions, coaching and different safety support, which have been key to serving to kyiv resist Russian forces.

Final month, President Biden restrictions lifted which permit Ukraine to make use of long-range weapons equipped by the US to strike deep into Russian territory, marking a major shift in American coverage within the conflict.

The Biden administration additionally started the method of supplying Ukraine in November. with controversial antipersonnel mines that are designed to be used towards individuals and never towards automobiles.