U.S. Announces $1.7B Aid Package to Ukraine

The United States has announced a significant new security assistance package for Ukraine, totaling $1.7 billion, amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. This package includes $200 million in immediate equipment from Pentagon reserves and $1.5 billion in long-term contracts under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). Notable inclusions are air defense interceptors, munitions for rocket and artillery systems, antitank weapons, and advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles for F-16 fighter jets. This move comes as part of the U.S.'s ongoing commitment to support Ukraine, reaffirmed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and coinciding with NATO's initiatives to bolster Ukraine's defense and prepare it for future membership. The total U.S. military aid to Ukraine now exceeds $55.4 billion since the conflict began in February 2022.