US announces new arms package worth $775 million for Ukraine

The US Department of Defense announced on Friday August 19 a $775 million package of defense equipment and ammunition for Ukraine. The package includes different types of missiles, artillery as well as mine clearance systems.

The package also includes precision-guided missiles for the Himars system. The system allowed Ukraine to hit Russian command centers and ammunition dumps far behind the front lines. The package also includes armor-piercing weapons.

Scan Eagle surveillance drones, high-velocity anti-radiation missiles and 105mm howitzers were also included in the package.

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“We want to make sure Ukraine has a steady flow of ammunition to meet its needs, and that’s what we’re doing with this package,” a senior US defense official told reporters.

The official said Ukrainian forces had made good use of the 19 weapons packages the United States had provided since invading Moscow on Feb. 24, helping them stem the advance of Russian forces.

“You see a complete and utter lack of progress by the Russians on the battlefield,” the official said, speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity.

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“You see the Russians are always paying a high price with Ukrainian attacks, especially using this Himars system,” the official said.

“They bear these costs and are unable to move forward.”

The official acknowledged that Ukraine had been unable to retake significant territory in the east and south, but said the new arms package will help fortify Ukrainian positions. The official noted that it was very important to be able to “support the successes that we have seen from the Ukrainians on the battlefield”.

(With agency contributions)

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