Washington DC, 24 June 2022 (TDI): The United States Secretary, Anthony J. Blinken, has authorized the thirteenth draw down of arms and equipment of defense inventories for Ukraine’s defense.
A sum of $450 million has been directed to reinforce Ukraine. The US Department of the State spokesperson, Ned Price, shared this news in an official statement.
Until now, the US’s security assistance to Ukraine has been more than $6.1 billion since the Russian invasion of the country.
While expressing solidarity with Ukraine, secretary Blinken said that the US would continue to deliver crucial military capabilities to Ukraine’s armed forces.
Today, @SecBlinken directed $450 million in new U.S. military assistance for Ukraine. Ukraine is standing strong and we continue to stand united with Ukraine. https://t.co/Oq0wbtZwyg
— Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) June 23, 2022
Today marks four months after the invasion of Ukraine from Russia. During this entire time, the US has been a close ally of Ukraine and maintained a steady flow of assistance.
Security assistance
Furthermore, the US, its forty allies, and partners are collaborating to bolster Ukraine’s defenses. Also, the coalition aims to improve Ukraine’s ability to defend its sovereign territory.
In addition, the US provided four rocket systems (HIMARS), artillery ammunition for other systems, tactical vehicles, and patrol boats to Ukraine. The Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin confirmed this allotment.
The security assistance to Ukraine continues. 🇺🇦
Today, @POTUS announced $450m in Presidential Drawdown Authority. Included in this package are 4x more HiMARS, ammunition, tactical vehicles, and more. pic.twitter.com/Na4iXxubxq
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) June 24, 2022
To emphasize, the White House National Security Council’s Coordinator for Strategic Communications, John Kirby, said that this allotment is part of the US’s effort to help Ukraine defend its democracy in the face of Russian aggression.
Sanctions on Russia
Along with the assistance, the state has also imposed sanctions on Russia’s economy and the elite of President Putin’s regime, stated Secretary Blinken.
Further, he said that the US has also enhanced NATO’s ability to deter and defend against any aggression by Russia on the ‘Eastern Flank.’
As authorized by @POTUS, I am directing the drawdown of $450 million in additional U.S. arms, equipment, and supplies to reinforce Ukraine’s defenses against Russia’s war of choice. We stand #UnitedWithUkraine.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) June 23, 2022
Meanwhile, the Secretary also appreciated Germany’s efforts to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels.
He was discussing with the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection, Robert Habeck. Currently, the secretary is attending the G7 summit in Berlin.
Always appreciate the great discussions with Vice Chancellor and @BMWK Minister Habeck. We applaud Germany’s efforts to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels. We continue to stand together #UnitedWithUkraine. pic.twitter.com/yWebXChCwQ
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) June 24, 2022
