Pentagon announces new military aid package to Ukraine
The latest military aid to Ukraine, announced by US President Joe Biden on Wednesday, involves the provision of additional assets in addition to the already announced M1 Abrams tanks. Source: Voice of America, citing the Pentagon's statement; European Pravda The total amount of the aid package, as reported by the media, is £400 million dollars.
It includes:
- 31 Abrams tanks with 120 mm rounds and other ammunition
- Eight tactical vehicles to recover equipment
- Support vehicles and equipment
- Funding for training, maintenance, and sustainment
The procurement of Abrams tanks for Ukraine will be held via the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) to support Ukraine's defence against Russian aggression.
Quote: "This £400 million USAI package represents the beginning of a contracting process to provide additional capabilities to Ukraine," the Pentagon said in a statement. This means that tanks will not be removed from warehouses, but will be purchased from manufacturers.
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Background:
- Earlier on Wednesday, the German government officially announced the decision to transfer Leopard 2 main battle tanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and to allow re-export to other countries that also want to do so.
- On Wednesday, US President Joe Biden confirmed his intention to transfer 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, equal to one Ukrainian battalion, to strengthen its defence capabilities against the backdrop of Russian aggression.
Together with the tanks, the USA will ensure the training of the Ukrainian military and provide spare parts as soon as possible.
- According to Der Spiegel, at this stage, the European allies are discussing joint transfer of 80 Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine in order to form two battalions consisting of 40 tanks.
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