In a move commemorating Ukraine's Independence Day, President Biden announced the largest single aid package to Ukraine Wednesday at the White House, bringing the total amount of aid committed to over $13.5 billion since the president took office.
Now six months into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the latest package of security assistance totals almost $3 billion and includes additional surface-to-air system missiles, up to 245,000 rounds of 155mm artillery ammunition, up to 65,000 rounds of 120mm mortar ammunition, counter-unmanned aerial systems and laser-guided rocket systems, to name a few. (RELATED: See the Unbelievable Firepower America Has Given Ukraine)
In its announcement, the United States once again made clear its intent to meet Ukraine's security needs in its fight against Russia, both immediate and longer-term. “This may be our largest security assistance package to date—but let me be clear—it will not be our last we will continue to closely consult with Ukraine on its near-, mid-, and long-term capability needs,” Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Dr. Colin Kahl said.
While the United States continues to send billions overseas, the amount and frequency of outgoing aid for Ukraine far outpaces that of European allies and NATO partners. The six largest nations in Europe made no new pledges of aid during the month of July, Politico reported. “The flow of new international support for Ukraine has dried up in July,” said Christoph Trebesch of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. According to data compiled by the Institute's Ukraine Support Tracker, the United States had committed nearly $25 billion of military aid from the start of the invasion to August 3. The U.K. trails as the second largest donor nation with just under $4 billion of military aid. (RELATED: Germany Sending Its First Heavy Weapons to Ukraine)
An August 11 conference in Copenhagen yielded additional commitments of more than $1.55 billion from Western nations, Reuters reported. The new monies will be used to provide existing weapons, missiles and ammunition, increase weapons and production for Ukraine, fund training for Ukrainian soldiers and de-mining efforts in Ukraine, the news outlet stated. Trebesch, however, called the figure “meager compared to what was raised in earlier conferences.”
As U.S. aid grows and European aid dwindles, U.S. officials suggested that the Biden administration may soon brand U.S. military support for Ukraine with a named operation, The Wall Street Journal reported. Naming the operation would offer formal recognition within the military, serving as a significant bureaucratic step, according to authors Nancy Youssef and Gordon Lubold. Selection of a name for the current military mission would likely entail longer-term funding and comes alongside the suggested selection of a two or three-star general to oversee training and assistance, The Wall Street Journal said. (RELATED: Ukraine Needs More Heavy Weapons – NATO Countries Need to Send Them)
A senior Pentagon official could not confirm reports of a pending name for a military mission or the selection of a general officer to oversee it, however. “I'm not aware of any plans to establish a named operation in support of Ukraine security assistance,” Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brigadier General Pat Ryder said Thursday. When pressed by reporters, Ryder suggested “there would be some type of coordination collaboration with the DOD and Joint Staff on something like that,” depending on the size and scope of the mission.
The total number of U.S. troops stationed in Europe now exceeds 100,000, up from 80,000 at the start of the war, according to NPR.
READ NEXT: GOP Civil War Builds Over Ukraine >>
how about our troops that are having a hard time finding residential homes?
Why are we helping a government that has murdered its own citizens? Zelensky and his ilk shoujld be tried for crimes against their own citizens and yet the media portrays them as innocent victims.
Nonsense. This is Russian disinformation, and you have obviously bought it. You need to view more news outlets to get the full story.
I truly believe that Biden will have us in e full scale war. One that isn’t declared but one that will cost a lot of American lives. That guy considers himself a great leader but nothing could be farther from the truth. Many years ago, like so many others I served my country. This time it will b different. It will be SLAM BAM that’s IT! No time to mobilize like in 1941. Speaking for myself, I’m not afraid to die. But I’d hate to think I died because of a senile old bastard named Biden caused it. That is exactly what will happen when – not if – Biden gets us into a nuclear war with China, Russia, North Korea, Iran and God only know who else. WE WON’T HAVE A CHANCE. Especially what Biden has done TO and not FOR our military and our country.
I all for US support of Ukraine in its defensive war against Russia. This isn’t just about Biden. Trump also told our NATO allies that they need to do their fair share in their own defense–which includes helping Ukraine.
On the other hand, we’re still fighting terrorists in Iraq and Syria by firing missiles at them. No one says a word about that. When is our involvement in that Middle East conflict going to end?
This is America’s war,
Reopen or expand bases in Germany, Czech Republic, Austria?
After the Afghanistan debacle our enemies knew that Biden’s America was weak. The ongoing US and EU weak support of the Ukraine cannot be covered up by last minute rhetoric and money. Support should have happened on Day One.
Joe Biden is a loser.
Ukraine Who . never heard of them until his this civil war and his paychecks may be taken away.
What about our troops here in America
Teachers
Citizens in need.
Term limits are the only chance we have.