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US Bolsters Ukraine with $500M Aid, Including HIMARS Ammo, Amid Russian Advances in Kursk

Dec 13, 2024, 05:40 AM

The United States has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine valued at $500 million, as tensions escalate with Russia over Kiev's use of American-made ballistic missiles. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that the package includes ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), artillery rounds, drones, armored vehicles, and protective gear against unconventional weapons. It also contains HARM missiles, MRAPs, HMMWVs, light tactical vehicles, Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems, TOW missiles, small arms ammunition, equipment to protect critical national infrastructure, and provisions for spare parts, services, training, and transportation. This aid comes despite Russia's warnings of retaliation to Ukrainian attacks using US-supplied weapons. The package is the 72nd aid package provided under the president's drawdown authority, aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities as Russian forces continue their advances in the province of Kursk.