The Pentagon has pledged a swift delivery of Patriot air defense missiles and artillery ammunition to Ukraine as part of a new military assistance package, earmarked with $6 billion from the United States. While Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin unveiled this allocation on Friday, it's noteworthy that the Patriot systems responsible for missile launches won't accompany the aid.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed the urgent need for Patriots to counter the escalating Russian air threat, emphasizing their potential to save lives immediately. Confirming the $6 billion allocation as part of a broader $60 billion aid package recently signed into law by President Joe Biden, a BBC source highlighted an additional $1 billion in immediate aid.
Austin, in a press briefing, underlined that this commitment represents the largest security assistance package to date, promising swift action to deliver supplies to Ukraine. These provisions include air defense munitions, counter-drone systems, and artillery ammunition, but notably exclude Patriot missile systems.
"The Ukrainians require not just Patriots, but a variety of systems and interceptors," Austin remarked, cautioning against viewing Patriots as a singular solution. He expressed confidence that more missile systems would become available for Kyiv soon, citing ongoing discussions with European partners to bolster capabilities.
General Charles Brown, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, anticipates that the assistance will alleviate the need for Ukrainian forces to ration shells on the front lines. A portion of the funding will also support the development of Ukraine's defense industry, enabling domestic production of essential ammunition.
Austin highlighted Russia's increased domestic production of weaponry and its reliance on supplies from Iran and North Korea. He emphasized the broader significance of supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, warning of dire consequences if Putin succeeds in Ukraine.
Acknowledging concerns about the timeline for aid delivery, Austin assured that the commitment was substantial, though not instantaneous. He stressed the significance of this capability for Ukraine's defense efforts.
Meanwhile, Ukraine raised alarms about heightened attacks on its railways by Russia, signaling a potential escalation. Despite challenges, Ukraine's plea for Western assistance grows louder as it faces depleted ammunition stocks and ongoing Russian advances.
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