Joe Biden has introduced almost $3bn in new army help to Ukraine, together with anti-aircraft missiles, artillery, counter-drone defences and radar tools.
The massive tranche of army support brings to almost $13 bn the US has provided or pledged to Kyiv beneath the Biden administration. The brand new package deal was introduced on the nation’s independence day and within the run-up to an anticipated Ukrainian counter-offensive in opposition to Russian-occupied territory.
“The US of America is dedicated to supporting the individuals of Ukraine as they proceed the combat to defend their sovereignty,” Biden mentioned in a press release.
“As a part of that dedication, I’m proud to announce our greatest tranche of safety help thus far: roughly $2.98bn of weapons and tools to be supplied by way of the Ukraine Safety Help Initiative. This may enable Ukraine to accumulate air defence programs, artillery programs and munitions, counter-unmanned aerial programs, and radars to make sure it will possibly proceed to defend itself over the long run.”
The drone defences are significantly vital as Russian forces, going through low morale, common exhaustion and widespread tools shortages, have been expanded their use of unmanned plane, an space the place they’re receiving assist from Iran.
Russian officers watched a show of Iranian drones in June and US officers consider Russians are being skilled to make use of them inside Iran.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed gratitude for the brand new support, which embrace a few of the forms of weapons he has been demanding.
“The individuals of Ukraine, all our defenders extremely recognize [the USA’s] unwavering assist. Collectively we are going to win!” Zelenskiy mentioned in a tweet.
The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, mentioned the US had “demonstrated that we are going to stand with Ukraine for so long as it takes”, and a current ballot by the Chicago Council on International Affairs advised there have been few indicators of “Ukraine fatigue” up to now among the many US voters.
Close to three quarters of the People questioned backed growing army support to Ukraine. Fifty-eight p.c agreed the assertion that the US ought to assist Ukraine “for so long as it takes, even when American households should pay larger gasoline and meals costs as a consequence”. And 38% thought the US ought to ship troops in Ukraine to combat the Russians, one thing that Biden has vowed to not do.
On most questions there was little distinction between the views of Democrats and Republicans, making it one of many comparatively few points that doesn’t break up the nation. That stage of bipartisan assist might develop into an essential issue if Republicans take again management of the Home of Representatives in November’s congressional elections.
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