Biden administration allocates $425 million in military aid to Ukraine

The White House on October 16 announced its latest package of military support for Ukraine, which includes $425 million worth of air defence systems, air-to-ground missiles, armoured vehicles, and other munitions.

President Joe Biden spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on the morning of October 16 before the White House unveiled the new round of aid aimed at assisting Kyiv in its ongoing war against Russia’s invasion, Caliber.Az reports via US media.

The two leaders discussed the current state of the war and a “victory plan” that Zelenskyy has emphasized to bring an end to the conflict, according to a readout of their call.

Zelenskyy publicly outlined that plan for the first time in a speech to the country’s parliament on the same day. He argued that his framework could potentially halt the war by the end of 2025 and described five main points, with NATO membership and long-term military support from the West being paramount.

This week’s aid package includes many of the weapons that Ukraine needs most; however, it only comprises equipment that the U.S. has sent in the past. The White House’s authority to provide additional assistance was set to expire at the end of September, necessitating that the president designate the aid for existing approved systems.

The White House committed to sending “hundreds” of air defence interceptors and “dozens” of smaller air defence systems within months, both of which have become increasingly valuable and scarce two-and-a-half years into the war. Russia has consistently overwhelmed Ukraine’s air defences with inexpensive drones and ballistic missiles in attacks on both military and civilian targets.

Kyiv is preparing for further strikes as winter approaches and the country struggles with a damaged power grid.

A Pentagon release specified that the air defence ammunition would include interceptors for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS). The package also features artillery and “thousands” of armoured vehicles, according to the White House.

The Pentagon later clarified that the current aid package would encompass additional missiles for NASAMS surface-to-air missile systems, RIM-7 missiles, missiles for Stinger MANPADS, ammunition for HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems, air-to-surface munitions, and 155mm and 105mm artillery shells. Additionally, it will include missiles for TOW man-portable air defence systems, AT-4 and Javelin anti-tank grenade launchers, and multi-purpose off-road vehicles.

Biden had originally planned to host an October summit of leaders from countries supporting Ukraine’s self-defence but cancelled the meeting to assist in coordinating the response to Hurricane Milton. The White House indicated that the meeting would now take place virtually in November.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin travelled to Brussels on October 16 for discussions with his NATO counterparts. He will later attend a summit of defence ministers from the G7, where support for Ukraine will be a key agenda item.

By Tamilla Hasanova