Biden approves $1.1 billion in safety help for Ukraine

WASHINGTON – The Biden administration on Wednesday introduced $1.1 billion in further safety help for Ukraine, exceeding the US dedication since Russia’s invasion of $16.2 billion in late February.

The announcement of the upcoming help package deal, the twenty second such installment, follows referendums held in 4 Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine which can be backed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The vote, broadly seen as rigged and illegitimate, is to find out whether or not Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya and Kherson ought to change into a part of Russia. They’ve been criticized by Putin as a plan to pave the best way for Moscow to announce that it has annexed Ukraine by the top of the week.

Earlier this week, the White Home mentioned the US would by no means settle for the outcomes of a “false referendum” and would proceed to supply navy and humanitarian help to Kyiv.

The most recent US safety package deal contains 18 Excessive Mobility Artillery Rocket Programs, or HIMARS, in addition to munitions for these programs, 150 Armored Multipurpose Autos, 150 Tactical Autos to Tow Weapons, 40 Vans and 80 Trailer Heavy Gear, two radars, and extra. Unmanned aerial programs, 20 multi-mission radars in addition to safe communication programs and physique armor.

Not like a presidential drawdown authority, which attracts weapons straight from the US stockpile, the most recent safety help package deal is allowed via the Ukraine Safety Help Initiative, or USAI, which makes use of funds appropriated by Congress.

USAI funds the US protection trade to extend weapons manufacturing.

Colin Kahl, the Below Secretary of Protection for Coverage, advised reporters on the Pentagon final month that delivering USAI packages can sometimes take months or years, relying on the protection contracting course of.

NATO allies have additionally elevated safety throughout the area, taking in refugees and educated Ukrainian forces.