In a significant show of support, the United States has announced a new $200 million military assistance package for Ukraine, signalling its continued commitment to helping the country defend against Russian forces. The announcement was made by US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin at the opening of a two-day meeting of Kyiv’s international supporters at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday.
This new assistance package comes after Congress dropped funding for Ukraine from a bill to avoid a government shutdown earlier this month, which raised concerns about the US commitment to Ukraine’s security. However, Austin reiterated the US’s unwavering stance, assuring that they will stand with Ukraine “for as long as it takes.”
While Congress’s decision complicates the situation, the Biden administration still has the authority to withdraw over $5 billion worth of equipment from military stocks if necessary. However, it is important to note that the Department of Defence only has $1.6 billion in remaining funding to replace donated weapons and equipment.
Alongside the military assistance, the US officials, including Austin and Air Force General Charles Q Brown, aim to use the meeting in Brussels to reassure allies, including Kyiv, that they can continue supporting Ukraine while also backing Israel in its conflict with Hamas.
Since Russia’s invasion, the United States has already provided Ukraine with a substantial $44 billion in military assistance, including tanks, rockets, and millions of rounds of ammunition. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who also attended the meeting in Brussels, urged allies for more weapons ahead of the winter season.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed concerns about Russia’s intentions, stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to be “preparing once again to use winter as a weapon of war” by targeting energy infrastructure in Ukraine. Stoltenberg emphasised the need for advanced and increased capabilities for air defence to counter such threats effectively.
In addition to the military aid, the two-day gathering in Brussels will address other security-related issues, such as the recent damage to an undersea gas pipeline and telecommunication cable connecting Finland and Estonia.
