New US Military Package, But No ATACMS Missiles
The US government has promised Ukraine a new $325 million aid package during President Selenskyj’s visit to Washington. However, the package does not include the ATACMS missiles requested by Kyiv.
The US is providing additional military assistance to Ukraine to defend against the Russian invasion. The State Department announced the approval of $128 million worth of weapons and equipment from US military stocks.
In addition, the Pentagon will provide $197 million worth of weapons and equipment that were previously approved. The package, with a total value of approximately $325 million, includes artillery ammunition and systems to defend against enemy air attacks. However, it does not include the requested ATACMS missiles with a range of up to 300 kilometers.
“Abrams” tanks to be delivered next week
The US government announced the military aid during Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj’s visit to Washington. Prior to the visit, Selenskyj met with members of the US Congress, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and President Joe Biden to advocate for further support. According to government figures, US military assistance to Ukraine since the start of the war amounts to $43.9 billion.
After the meeting with Selenskyj, Biden announced that the first promised “M1 Abrams” tanks would be delivered next week. In January, the US government announced plans to deliver 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. The Pentagon then mentioned a planned delivery in the fall.
Selenskyj thanks the US for military assistance
During the meeting with Biden, Selenskyj thanked the US for their ongoing support in the defense against Russia. He described the new package of US military aid as powerful and containing “exactly what our soldiers need.” America is also helping to strengthen Ukrainian air defense for the upcoming winter and work on the establishment of the Ukrainian armed forces of the future to prevent new attacks on the country.
Selenskyj emphasized that he thanks the US not only for the new aid but also for their support “during all 575 days” of the war. The United States is Ukraine’s most important ally in the defense against Russian invaders and has provided billions of dollars in military assistance over the past 19 months.
After his visit to Washington, Selenskyj unexpectedly planned to travel to Canada, where he will be received by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, according to Trudeau’s office.
Tone in Washington has changed
Selenskyj arrived in Washington after his trip to the UN General Assembly in New York. Upon his arrival at the US Congress, he was accompanied to the Capitol by Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
The 45-year-old came to Washington with specific requests for military equipment. In December of last year, he had already visited and received a hero’s welcome. However, the political situation in the US Congress has changed since then. Since January, Republicans have been in control of the House of Representatives. There is considerable skepticism among their ranks about whether the US should continue to invest a lot of money in a war with no end in sight.
As a result, Selenskyj met with senators and representatives behind closed doors this time. He expressed gratitude for the support, according to reports. Selenskyj reportedly warned the senators about the dangers if additional funds were not approved for Ukraine. According to Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, there was one sentence that summed it all up, and I quote: “If we don’t get the aid, we will lose the war.”
Dispute over Ukraine assistance
Before Selenskyj’s visit, Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy expressed reserved views on further support. He said, “Was Selenskyj elected to Congress? Is he our president? I don’t believe so.” However, his party colleague Mitch McConnell tried to emphasize that the weapons deliveries would also benefit Americans. The Senate Minority Leader stated in advance that the US economy would also profit from the weapons orders.
While the majority of Republicans in Congress support assistance to Ukraine, right-wing hardliners are opposed. However, because Republicans have only a slim majority in the House of Representatives, they hold particular power in the current situation.