Throughout 2023, the US Provided Ukraine with 34 Military Aid Packages Totaling $24 Billion
Throughout 2023, the United States has delivered military assistance to Ukraine amounting to $24 billion. Specifically, on December 27, the Pentagon announced the provision of the 34th military aid package for the year 2023, totaling $250 million. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky shared this information on Twitter, expressing gratitude for the support.
Under this aid, Ukraine received a diverse range of military equipment, including Patriot systems, Abrams tanks, various armored vehicles, ATACMS, DPICM, other air defence systems, missiles, artillery shells, demining tools, and other crucial military gear. An historic decision was also made to supply F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
"The leadership of the United States in a coalition of over 50 countries providing military assistance to Ukraine is crucial not only for countering terrorism and aggression in Ukraine but also worldwide," emphasized the President of Ukraine.
The US Department of Defence noted that this 54th military aid package, since August 2021, includes additional ammunition for NASAMS and HIMARS, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, 155mm and 105mm calibre shells, TOW missiles, Javelin anti-tank systems, components for air defence systems, and over 15 million rounds of small arms ammunition. Additionally, the US is providing Ukraine with explosive ordnance disposal equipment, spare parts, medical supplies, and other essential gear.
In particular, the Pentagon highlighted that providing security assistance to Ukraine is a wise investment in the national security of the United States. It helps deter potential aggression in other parts of the world while strengthening the US defence-industrial base and creating highly skilled jobs for the American people.
Earlier, the White House emphasized that funds were available for only one military aid package to Ukraine, necessitating further decisions by Congress once the funding is depleted.
In October, President Biden urged Congress to approve additional funding for Ukraine, but the Senate did not reach a decision due to party differences on issues related to the security of the American-Mexican border.
It's worth noting that on the night of December 29, the Russian occupying army launched approximately 110 missiles on several cities in Ukraine, including Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and others. Russian missiles targeted a maternity hospital, educational institutions, a shopping centre, residential buildings, commercial storage, and a car park. The attack resulted in over 100 injuries and more than 20 deaths among civilians.