The United States has announced a significant military aid package for Ukraine, valued at US$725 million (approximately S$975 million). This new assistance includes missiles, ammunition, and anti-personnel mines aimed at bolstering Kyiv’s defences against Russian aggression, as officials ramp up support before the presidential transition in January 2024.
Details of the Military Assistance
According to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the package will comprise:
- Stinger missiles
- Ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS)
- Drones
- Land mines
This marks a notable increase compared to recent military assistance packages, which have typically been between US$125 million and US$250 million. The recent military support comes as Russian troops continue to make advances in the east of Ukraine, specifically in the industrial Donbas region. As winter approaches, Russian airstrikes are wreaking havoc on Ukraine’s already struggling energy infrastructure.
US Nuclear Arms Stance Remains Firm
In a related matter, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed that the US is not considering the return of nuclear weapons to Ukraine, which it had relinquished after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Sullivan replied to inquiries regarding speculation about the US supplying nuclear capabilities, stating, “That is not under consideration, no.”
Controversy Surrounding Land Mines
The inclusion of land mines in the aid package has sparked controversy due to their long-lasting risks to civilian lives. Although there’s a global treaty banning their use, Ukraine has requested these weapons since the onset of the full-scale invasion in early 2022, as Russian forces have employed them strategically on the battlefield. Notably, the mines to be sent to Ukraine are described as “non-persistent,” meaning their threat to civilians is temporary.
As the situation continues to unfold, the US stands alongside more than 50 other nations in ensuring that Ukraine is equipped to defend its sovereignty against ongoing Russian aggression.