The U.S. has announced a new $2.5 billion military aid package for Ukraine. (Updated)

The United States has allocated a military aid package to Ukraine amounting to nearly $2.5 billion.

 This is stated in a declaration by U.S. President Joe Biden, which was published by the White House.

“Today, I proudly announce the allocation of nearly $2.5 billion in security assistance to Ukraine as the Ukrainian people continue to defend their independence and freedom against Russian aggression,” the statement reads.

This announcement includes an additional $1.25 billion package for Ukrainian military forces and a $1.22 billion package under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). It is noted that this provides Ukraine with both an immediate influx of capabilities on the battlefield and long-term supplies of air defense systems, artillery, and other critically important weapon systems.

According to Biden, this package utilizes all remaining funds from the USAI that Congress has allocated.

The first part of the package ($1.25 billion) involves supplying weapons, equipment, and services from Pentagon reserves that are urgently needed by Ukrainian forces on the battlefield. It will include, among other things:

• counter-drone systems
• munitions for air defense systems
• munitions for HIMARS rocket systems
• 155 mm and 105 mm artillery shells
• air-to-ground munitions
• Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems

The U.S. will also provide communication devices, software, equipment and gear, spare parts, support equipment, training, and transportation. The second part of the package, totaling $1.22 billion, which will be allocated under the USAI initiative, involves entering into new contracts with the defense industry and is intended for long-term supplies.

“The Department of Defense is currently in the process of supplying hundreds of thousands of artillery shells, thousands of missiles, and hundreds of armored vehicles, which will strengthen Ukraine's positions as winter approaches. Under my direction, the United States will continue to work tirelessly to bolster Ukraine's positions in this war for the remainder of my time in office,” stated the U.S. President.

UPDATED at 19:22:

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken clarified what will be included in the new military aid package for Ukraine:

• munitions for counter-unmanned aerial systems (c-UAS);
• air defense munitions;
• munitions for high mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS);
• 155 mm and 105 mm artillery shells;
• air-to-ground munitions;
• Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems;
• tube-launched missiles with optical guidance and wire-guided (TOW); munitions for combat weapons and fragmentation grenades;
• explosive devices and munitions;
• communication, training, software, clothing, and individual equipment;
• spare parts, support equipment, services, training, and transportation.

The total value of the weapons amounts to $1.25 billion. “The United States and over 50 countries are united to provide Ukraine with the necessary capabilities to defend against Russian aggression,” the message states.

Background. Earlier, Mind reported that the North Atlantic Alliance, as planned, took on the coordination of Western military assistance to Ukraine.