US announces 1.3 trillion won worth of aid, including Harpoon missiles
Canada also provides additional support, including replacement barrels for howitzers
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude on the 15th (local time) for the U.S. to provide an additional $1 billion worth of weapons to the country.
“The United States has announced a new measure to strengthen our defenses,” he said in a speech that evening, according to the AFP news agency.
A new $1 billion aid package,” he told the people of the country.
“Thank you for this support.
This is especially important for our defense in the Donbas region (eastern Ukraine).”
President Zelensky added, “I am also grateful for the (USA) leadership that brought all partners together to help[Ukraine].”
Earlier, the White House said that President Joe Biden had spoken to President Zelensky on the same day and directly notified of plans for additional arms assistance to Ukraine.
The U.S. plans to provide 18 155mm howitzers, 36,000 rounds of shells, and a Harpoon Coastal Defense Missile System to Ukraine.
This is known as the largest single weapon support.
“We also discussed the tactical situation on the battlefield and how to speed up our victory,” Zelensky said in a phone call with Biden.
“I fight every day to ensure that Ukraine gets the weapons and equipment it needs.
However, courage, wisdom and tactical skills cannot be imported.
Our heroes have them,” he said, encouraging the Ukrainian people to fight back.
He also said he had spoken to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the phone.
In a tweet, Johnson said he would support the Ukrainian government until it “finally” wins.
The Russian army, which invaded Ukraine on February 24 of this year, failed to capture the capital, Kiiu, which was initially targeted, but following reorganizing its forces in the eastern Donbas region, where pro-Russian separatist rebels are strong, they are putting pressure on the Ukrainian forces with their firepower superiority. .
As the tide of war developed, the Ukrainian government has repeatedly urged the West to increase the scale and speed of arms aid.
Meanwhile, Canada announced on the same day that it would provide additional military aid worth 9 million Canadian dollars (regarding 9 billion won) to Ukraine.
Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand said in a statement that ten replacement barrels of the M777, a 155mm howitzer, would be delivered. I will leave,” he said.
The United States and Canada have provided large quantities of M777s to the Ukrainian military.
The replacement barrel is a component necessary to maintain the M777’s range, Archyde.com reported.
/yunhap news
