Secretary of State Antony Blinken gave authorization for the United States to send additional High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) ammunition and 155mm artillery systems to be sent to Ukraine's forces.
This latest drawdown brings the total U.S military assistance to Ukraine to $8.7 billion since the beginning of Biden's administration, according to a State Department press release on Monday.
“More than five months into Russia’s brutal and unprovoked assault the people of Ukraine inspire the world as they defend their country and their freedom,” Blinken said according to the release. “The United States continues to stand with Allies and partners from more than 50 countries in providing vital security assistance to support Ukraine’s defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russia’s aggression.”
Ukraine has 16 HIMARS that have been utilized in repelling incoming Russian forces in the east, Defense News reported. However, Ukraine wants more HIMARS and air defense systems to start retaking Russian-occupied territory.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced that Russia has destroyed six of the U.S supplied HIMARS since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, Reuters reported on Aug. 2. Shoigu also said that Russia has destroyed five anti-ship harpoon missile launch systems and 33 M777 howitzers since February. Reuters said it could verify the accuracy of Shoigu's report.
“Today, pursuant to a delegation of authority from the President, I am authorizing our seventeenth drawdown since August 2021 of up to $550 million in arms and equipment from U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) inventories for Ukraine’s self-defense,” Blinken said according to the State Department release. “Today’s announcement includes more ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and 155mm artillery systems that Ukraine’s forces are using so effectively on the battlefield to defend their country. This drawdown will bring total U.S. military assistance to Ukraine to approximately $8.7 billion since the beginning of this Administration. Our commitment to the people of Ukraine will not waver. We stand united with Ukraine."
