ATACMS missiles to be part of new US aid package for Ukraine - Politico
Kyiv • UNN
The White House announces a new $300 million military aid package to Ukraine, including several Army tactical missile systems with a range of 100 miles.
The White House is expected to announce on Tuesday that it will send Ukraine several army tactical missile systems in a new $300 million military aid package, according to US officials with knowledge of the discussions, UNN reports citing Politico.
According to one official, the package will include several anti-personnel/anti-material missiles, or APAMs, an older version of the long-range ATACMS that travels 100 miles and carries warheads containing hundreds of cluster bombs. All were granted anonymity to speak before the announcement.
According to this official and another U.S. official, the tranche will also include additional rounds for 155mm howitzers and a guided missile system. In September, the United States shipped the first batch of medium-range ATACMS for the first time.
The news comes as Congress stalled on President Joe Biden's supplemental request, which includes additional funding for the war in Ukraine, as well as aid to Israel and Taiwan. The Pentagon has been unable to send additional weapons to Kyiv since December, when it ran out of money to replenish its stockpile.
The package will be valued at $300 million, according to two officials. Soldiers on the front lines are running out of ammunition and air defense as lawmakers argue over the law.
The Pentagon was able to use savings from a previous army contract for Ukrainian weapons, a Defense Ministry official said.
While Ukrainians will welcome the new weapons, the latest package is only a temporary solution.
"This is not an alternative route for more," a third U.S. Defense Department official said Friday of the plan to use Army savings for Ukraine.
US prepares new military aid package for Ukraine - Reuters12.03.24, 17:12 • 25660 views