During a meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Umerov on July 2nd, U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin announced that the United States would provide Ukraine with an additional $2.3 billion (approximately NT$75.2 billion) in military assistance. The aid includes anti-tank weapons, anti-aircraft interceptors, and ammunition. To date, the United States has pledged over $53.5 billion (approximately NT$1.74 trillion) in aid to Ukraine. However, the official announcement and delivery time of the latest aid package have not yet been determined. Ukraine hopes to lift restrictions on the use of Western-aided weapons, but Austin has not yet agreed.
Austin stated, “Ukraine is not alone, and the United States’ support will never waver. Together with 50 allies and partners, we will continue to provide the critical capabilities Ukraine needs to repel Russian aggression and prevent its recurrence.” He added that the aid, which includes Patriot missiles and other anti-aircraft interceptors, anti-tank weapons, and ammunition, allows the Pentagon to quickly move weapons from its warehouses to Ukraine.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Umerov expressed gratitude to the United States for its support in preventing Russian aggression.
Pentagon officials declined to disclose the specific announcement and delivery time of the assistance. Pentagon spokesman Ryder simply stated, “We continue to provide Ukraine security assistance, and these packages will be packed and on the road soon.”
Whether to lift restrictions on the use of Western-supplied weapons remains undecided
Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed that Russia dropped over 800 powerful glide bombs in Ukraine last week alone. He called on NATO leaders to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western military aid weapons so that it can strike Russian military targets. Ukraine “needs the necessary means to destroy these bomb carriers, including Russian fighter jets, wherever they are”.
During his meeting with Umerov, Austin did not commit to easing restrictions. He only mentioned discussing “more diversified ways to meet Ukraine’s current security needs and create a futuristic force to resist Russian aggression” with Umerov. Ryder stated at a press conference that U.S. policy regarding the use of long-range weapons, such as the U.S.-aided Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), to attack airports in Russia remains unchanged. U.S.-aided weapons can only be used within Ukrainian territory.
Building a bridge for Ukraine to join NATO
Austin’s meeting with Umerov, coinciding with the upcoming NATO summit in Washington from July 9 to 11, has sparked speculation about the relationship between Ukraine and NATO. “Stars and Stripes” reported that NATO members will discuss future security assistance and training for the Ukrainian armed forces at the summit. In the past, NATO officials have made it clear that Ukraine cannot join NATO during the Russia-Ukraine war. President Biden has also stated that allowing Ukraine to join NATO at this time would result in NATO entering the war.
However, Austin mentioned during this meeting that NATO would take measures at the summit to “build a bridge for Ukraine to join NATO.” Umerov responded, “I hope Ukraine will receive the invitation soon, but the focus at this stage is Ukraine’s capabilities are still being improved”.
U.S. Defense Secretary Austin said on the 2nd that the United States will provide Ukraine with an additional $2.3 billion in military assistance, including anti-tank weapons… Ukraine Russia Russo-Ukrainian War military aid USA Department of Defense
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US to Provide Ukraine with $2.3 Billion in Military Aid: Anti-Tank Weapons, Anti-Aircraft Interceptors, and More
On July 2, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, announcing a new $2.3 billion military aid package for Ukraine. This latest commitment brings U.S. military assistance to Ukraine to over $53.5 billion. While the package includes a range of vital supplies, including anti-tank weapons, anti-aircraft interceptors, and ammunition, the official announcement and delivery timeline have yet to be revealed.
During the meeting, Austin reiterated the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russia. “Ukraine is not alone, and the United States’ support will never waver,” he stated. “Together with 50 allies and partners, we will continue to provide the critical capabilities Ukraine needs to repel Russian aggression and prevent its recurrence.” He highlighted that the aid package, including Patriot missiles and other anti-aircraft interceptors, would enable quicker deployment of weapons from Pentagon warehouses to Ukraine.
“We continue to provide Ukraine security assistance, and these packages will be packed and on the road soon,” said Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Patrick Ryder during a press conference.
Ukraine’s Push for Unrestricted Use of Western Weapons
Recent weeks have seen intensified Russian attacks, with President Zelensky revealing that over 800 powerful glide bombs were dropped on Ukrainian territory in the past week alone. In response, Zelensky has fervently urged NATO leaders to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western military aid weapons, calling for the ability to strike military targets within Russia.
“Ukraine needs the necessary means to destroy these bomb carriers, including Russian fighter jets, wherever they are,” emphasized Zelensky.
However, during his meeting with Umerov, Austin remained unyielding on the issue of lifting restrictions. He stated that discussions would focus on exploring “more diversified ways to meet Ukraine’s current security needs and create a futuristic force to resist Russian aggression.” The U.S. policy regarding the use of long-range weapons, such as the U.S.-aided Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), to target Russian airports remains unchanged, with U.S.-supplied weapons authorized for use only within Ukrainian territory.
Building a Bridge for Ukraine’s NATO Membership
Austin’s meeting with Umerov coincided with the upcoming NATO summit scheduled for July 9-11 in Washington, D.C., fuelling speculation about Ukraine’s path toward NATO membership.
According to “Stars and Stripes,” the summit agenda includes discussions on future security assistance and training for the Ukrainian armed forces. While NATO officials have previously maintained that Ukraine’s accession during the ongoing conflict with Russia is not feasible, President Biden has also expressed concerns that permitting Ukraine to join NATO at this juncture could escalate the conflict and involve NATO directly.
However, Austin’s statement during the meeting suggesting NATO’s intention to take “steps to build a bridge for Ukraine to join NATO” sparked hope. Umerov responded by saying, “I hope Ukraine will receive the invitation soon, but the focus at this stage is Ukraine’s capabilities are still being improved.”
The upcoming NATO summit presents a crucial opportunity for Ukraine to receive unwavering support and guidance from its Western allies, particularly as the conflict with Russia continues to escalate.
Key Takeaways
- The United States has pledged an additional $2.3 billion in military aid to Ukraine, bringing the total U.S. contribution to over $53.5 billion.
- The aid package includes anti-tank weapons, anti-aircraft interceptors, and ammunition, demonstrating the U.S. commitment to Ukraine’s defense against Russia.
- Ukraine continues to urge NATO to lift restrictions on the use of Western-supplied weapons, but the U.S. has not yet relented.
- The NATO summit will feature discussions on future security assistance and training for the Ukrainian armed forces, with the potential for a “bridge” for Ukraine’s future membership in the alliance.
Ukraine
Russia
Russo-Ukrainian War
military aid
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Department of Defense