The Biden administration announced nearly $3.75 billion in security assistance for Ukraine and European allies affected by the Russian invasion. This is the largest package Washington announced since Russia’s full-scale invasion began nearly a year ago.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that Washington will provide Ukraine with Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, self-propelled Howitzers, armored personnel carriers, surface-to-air missiles, ammunition, and other items to support Ukraine.
“The war in Ukraine is at a critical point right now, and we have to do everything we can to help the Ukrainians continue to resist Russian aggression,” Laura Cooper, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia, said.
The package makes the largest use – $2.8 billion – of the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) since Russia’s invasion last February, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. The aid includes mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles (MRAPs), guided multiple launch rocket systems (GMLRS), surface-to-air missiles, anti-vehicle land mines and ammunition.
The inclusion of 50 M2-A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles for the Ukrainian military was the major announcement. These armored vehicles — enough to outfit a mechanized infantry battalion — will come with 500 tube-launched, optically sighted, wire-guided, or TOW, anti-tank missiles and 250,000 rounds of 25 mm ammunition.
The drawdown authority also includes 100 M-113 armored personnel carriers and 55 mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles. The U.S. will also provide 138 Humvees.
Artillery remains a crucial capability for the Ukrainians and the PDA will provide 18 self-propelled 155 mm Paladin howitzers, 36 105 mm towed howitzers and thousands of rounds to supply both systems. The United States will also provide anti-aircraft capabilities including RIM-7 missiles and 4,000 Zuni rockets. The package also includes ight-vision devices, sniper rifles, machine guns, spare parts, clothing and more.
The security assistance package includes:
- 100 M113 Armored Personnel Carriers
- 55 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles
- 138 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles
- 18 155mm self-propelled Howitzers and 18 ammunition support vehicles
- 70,000 155mm artillery rounds
- 500 precision-guided 155mm artillery rounds
- 1,200 155mm rounds of Remote Anti-Armor Mine Systems
- 36 105mm towed Howitzers and 95,000 105mm artillery rounds
- 10,000 120mm mortar rounds
- Approximately 2,000 anti-armor rockets
“These capabilities will complement and work with the expanded U.S.- led training beginning this month that will build Ukraine’s capacity to conduct joint maneuver and combined operations,” Cooper said. “We will ensure Ukraine has both the equipment and the skill necessary to sustain its efforts to push back on Russian aggression.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked President Joe Biden for the “very powerful” security package in a message on his official Telegram channel. “Today a new one was announced, and a very powerful one! A package of American defense support for our country. For the first time, we will receive armored vehicles Bradleys, this is exactly what is needed,” Zelenskyy said.
