Antony Blinken
The United States announced a new package of military aid for Ukraine on Friday, including ammunition, missiles, mines, and artillery rounds, as Russia continues its assault on the Kharkiv region.
Ukraine has been battling back in Kharkiv since May 10, when numerous Russian forces crossed the border, making their largest territorial gains in 18 months.
“The United States is announcing today a significant new drawdown of weapons and equipment for Ukraine to support the brave Ukrainian people as they defend their country”, Antony Blinken, the secretary of state, stated.
Blinken went on to say, “This $275 million package, which is part of our efforts to help Ukraine repel Russia’s assault near Kharkiv, contains urgently needed capabilities”.
Last month, US senators passed a long-awaited $61 billion military aid package for Kyiv following months of wrangling in Congress as Ukrainian forces faced setbacks on the battlefield due to ammunition and financial shortages.
Since then, President Joe Biden has authorized five tranches of military aid to be delivered to Ukraine.
“Assistance from previous packages has already made it to the front lines, and we will move this new assistance as quickly as possible”, Blinken added.
Local authorities reported that strikes in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, killed at least seven people on Thursday.
According to local governor Oleg Synegubov, nearly 11,000 people in the region have been evacuated since Russia launched its latest onslaught.
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