Russia War: Again, Biden Announces More Weapon Supply For Ukraine

The United States President Joe Biden has again offered to support Ukraine with a new weapons package worth $150m.

The American President is not slowing down in supporting Ukraine to counter Russia in the ongoing war between the two European countries.

Naija News understands that Biden’s latest support is coming two weeks after his country supported Ukraine with a package of $800 million in military aid.

The previous arm support to Ukraine from the US is said to have included 72 155mm howitzers, 72 armoured vehicles to tow them, 144,000 rounds of ammunition and more than 120 Phoenix Ghost tactical drones recently developed by the US Air Force specifically to address Ukraine’s needs.

On the latest support, Biden said: “I am announcing another package of security assistance that will provide additional artillery munitions, radars, and other equipment to Ukraine.”

The US President, however, warned that funding was close to running out and urging Congress to authorize more.

A senior US official told reporters that new package includes 25,000 155mm artillery rounds, counter-artillery radars used for detecting the source of enemy fire, electronic jamming equipment, and spare parts.

The artillery munitions appear to be meant for recently supplied US howitzers.

Friday’s new batch brings the total value of US weaponry sent by the Biden administration to Ukraine — including heavy artillery, shoulder-held Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, and drones — to $3.8 billion since Russia launched its invasion in February 24, Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed.

He noted that Friday’s package means the remaining $250 million available from previously authorized funding for Ukraine will have all but run out. Biden is pressing Congress to authorize a huge $33 billion Ukraine package, which would include $20 billion in military assistance, and last for five months.

Meanwhile, Biden and the rest of the G7 leaders, plus Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, are meeting virtually on Sunday to discuss Western support for the country in its struggle against President Vladimir Putin’s invasion.

The US under Biden’s leadership has provided a historic amount of security assistance to Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia, Naija News understands.

“We are sending the weapons and equipment that Congress has authorized directly to the front lines of freedom in Ukraine,” Biden said in a statement.

However, Biden said current funding was “nearly exhausted” and that “for Ukraine to succeed,” the United States and its allies must “keep the weapons and ammunition flowing to Ukraine, without interruption.”

“Congress should quickly provide the requested funding to strengthen Ukraine on the battlefield and at the negotiating table,” he said.