US Announces $225 Million Aid Package For Ukraine

The United States has announced a new military aid package worth $225 million for Ukraine. US President Joe Biden made this announcement following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris on the sidelines of D-Day anniversary celebrations. According to the US Department of State, the latest aid package includes air defense interceptors, artillery systems and munitions, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons. 

The Joe Biden-led administration said that the assistance will help strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses and reinforce Ukrainian capabilities across the front lines. The weapons and equipment are expected to support the Ukrainian military as it fights to repel Russia’s assault near Kharkiv. The US has provided approximately $51.2 billion in military assistance since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. 

Meanwhile, Joe Biden has apologised to Volodymyr Zelenskyy for previous delays in Washington’s aid to Kyiv. Biden also highlighted that the US will stand with Ukraine against the Russian invasion. “We’re still in – completely, thoroughly,” Biden said, as quoted by Al Jazeera. The US President also reportedly blamed “very conservative” members of Congress for holding up the funding bill. At the same time, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) said that May saw a significant monthly increase in casualties, with 31 percent more civilians killed than in April. Danielle Bell, the head of HRMMU, said in a statement that the use of air-dropped bombs and missiles in populated areas, including Kharkiv, is the main reason for the high number of civilian casualties.