The United States recently announced new security assistance for Ukraine.
The assistance includes the initiation of Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative contracting agreements and the 35th drawdown of advanced defense equipment to Ukraine, signaling the commitment of the U.S. to bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities against Russian aggression, according to an April 4 U.S. Department of Justice news release.
"Today the United States announced a critical new package of security assistance to help Ukraine repel Russia's aggression. We stand #UnitedWithUkraine," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in an April 4 Twitter post.
The Department of Defense will provide additional security assistance to Ukraine, including delivering advanced defensive weapons systems, the release reported. The package also includes military training and advisory support to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities.
The announcement of additional security assistance to Ukraine highlights the ongoing efforts of the U.S. to support Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. The package, including advanced defensive weapons systems, will significantly enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities, according to the release.
The Biden administration authorized this 35th presidential draw down of equipment from the Department of Defense inventories for Ukraine since August 2021, the release said. The package includes additional munitions for Patriot air defense systems, artillery rounds, tank ammunition, anti-aircraft ammunition, rocket launchers and spare parts, among other capabilities.
Additionally, under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, the Defense Department will provide Ukraine with counter-Unmanned Aerial System gun trucks, air surveillance radars and Javelin anti-armor systems, according to the news release.
The U.S. will allocate $2.1 billion to the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds, the release said. This allows the U.S. to acquire capabilities from industry instead of providing equipment taken from the Defense Department inventory.
According to the release, this signifies the start of a contracting process that will provide Ukraine's Armed Forces with additional capabilities.
