The US readies about $800 mln in security aid for Ukraine – Reuters

The United States readies about $800 million in additional security aid for Ukraine.

Reuters reported about this with reference to three of its own sources.

U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration is readying about $800 million in additional military aid to Ukraine.

According to sources, the announcement of this package may take place on Friday, August 19, or next week. The cost of the assistance may also change.

Biden would authorise the assistance using his Presidential Drawdown Authority, which allows the president to authorise the transfer of excess weapons from U.S. stocks.

The previous U.S. military aid package was worth up to $1 billion to meet Ukraine’s critical needs. The package includes additional ammunition for the M142 HIMARS rocket systems (undisclosed quantity). To the date, Ukraine has received 16 launchers.

The artillerymen of Ukraine will receive 75,000 rounds of 155mm artillery ammunition.

Ukrainian servicemen also use American 155-mm M777 towed howitzers and various self-propelled howitzers of the same caliber.

Ukrainian soldiers will receive 20 120mm mortar systems and 20,000 rounds of 120mm mortar ammunition.

The infantry will receive 1,000 Javelins and hundreds of AT4 anti-armor systems, Claymore anti-personnel munitions, C-4 explosives, demolition munitions, and demolition equipment.

In addition, Ukraine will receive 50 armoured medical treatment vehicles for the treatment and evacuation of the wounded. As previously reported, the USA decided to transfer 200 units of M113 from its reserves.

The Pentagon also announced the transfer of munitions for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) to Ukraine. The air defense of Ukraine will receive two batteries of the NASAMS air defense system. The US Ministry of Defense reported that they have already begun the procurement of NASAMS air defense systems for Ukraine.