On Friday, May 10, 2024, United States Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken announced a new, significant military assistance package for Ukraine. This aid is intended to assist the nation in its ongoing war with Russia.
The $400 million package will consist of weapons and other military equipment.
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“The United States is announcing today a significant new package of weapons and equipment for Ukraine to support the brave Ukrainian people as they defend their country against Russia’s aggression,” said Blinken on Friday. He described the content of the package as “urgently needed”.
Between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and March 2024, the US Congress approved more than $113 billion in response to the war in Ukraine, according to the US Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Of the $113 billion, approximately $44 billion has been used primarily to address the economic and humanitarian needs of people affected by the war in Ukraine, including Ukrainians and their neighbors.
At least $42 billion has been earmarked for defense and security assistance.
On April 23, the Senate approved an additional $60 billion in spending for Ukrainian defense efforts when lawmakers passed comprehensive foreign aid and national security legislation. This legislation also included $17 billion for weapons aid to Israel, $9 billion for humanitarian aid in Gaza, an undisclosed amount in aid for Taiwan, and the ‘TikTok Ban Bill’ — a national security measure intended to limit the influence of China through massive companies in the US.
The European Union has provided similar assistance to Ukraine, approving around $107 billion in financial, military, humanitarian, and refugee assistance, according to European Union External Action (EEAS). European leaders have additionally committed to aid upwards of $54 billion until 2027 for future recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.
Blinken is currently in Ukraine to meet with officials and discuss the impact of US aid and the best ways to support Ukraine’s rebuilding into a strong, prosperous, democratic nation.
