US Sends $275 Million in Weapons to Ukraine as Russia Intensifies Assault on Kharkiv

The United States unveiled a new batch of military assistance for Ukraine, comprising ammunition, missiles, mines, and artillery rounds. This announcement comes as Russia continues its attack on the Kharkiv region.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, “The United States is announcing today a significant new drawdown of weapons and equipment for Ukraine to support the brave Ukrainian people as they defend their country.” “This $275 million package, which is part of our efforts to help Ukraine repel Russia’s assault near Kharkiv, contains urgently needed capabilities.”

The announcement includes ammunition for various weapons systems like HIMARS, artillery rounds, mortar rounds, missiles, anti-armor systems, aerial munitions, small arms, grenades, demolitions, tactical vehicles, protective gear, and spare parts.

In the previous month, US legislators approved a much-awaited $61 billion military assistance package for Kyiv following prolonged disagreements in Congress. This came as Ukrainian forces faced challenges on the battlefield due to shortages in ammunition and funding. Subsequently, President Joe Biden has directed the dispatch of five installments of military aid to Ukraine.

“Assistance from previous packages has already made it to the front lines, and we will move this new assistance as quickly as possible,” Blinken said.

On Thursday, local officials reported that attacks on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, resulted in the deaths of at least seven individuals. Governor Oleg Synegubov stated that over 11,000 individuals in the surrounding area have been evacuated since Russia initiated its latest offensive.

Ukraine has been engaged in combat in Kharkiv since May 10, when a large number of Russian troops breached the border, marking their most significant territorial gains in the past 18 months.