In a continued show of support for Ukraine, the United States has announced an additional $600 million security assistance package, a day after pledging $1 billion in military and humanitarian aid to Kyiv. The comprehensive aid package aims to strengthen Ukraine’s capabilities on the battlefield and highlights the firm commitment of the United States to Ukraine’s security.
The Pentagon, in a statement released on Thursday, shows the components of the new aid, which will play a vital role in enhancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities and is the evidence of “unwavering US support for Ukraine”
The aid package’s integration of Ukrainian air defense systems with Western weapons is one of its main goals, ensuring the effectiveness of countering threats. The artillery rocket “HIMARS”, will receive additional ammunition. It has proved highly effective in the field. Moreover, the package has 105-millimeter artillery rounds, electronic warfare and counter-electronic warfare equipment, demolition munitions for obstacle clearing, and financial support for training, maintenance, and sustainment activities.
The package that was announced on Wednesday’s included depleted uranium ammunition for Abrams tanks. It is the first time the U.S. is sending the controversial armor-piercing munitions to Kyiv which capable of countering Russian tanks. The package aims to enhance Ukraine’s air defense, artillery, munitions, and overall capabilities.
In response to the United States’ decision, Russia has criticized it as a criminal act, claiming that the provided rounds cause cancer. However, Singh countered these claims by referring to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which found no evidence linking depleted uranium rounds to cancer. The World Health Organization has also reported no increase in leukemia or other cancers resulting from exposure to uranium or depleted uranium. Even the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has unequivocally stated that there is no proven connection between depleted uranium exposure and increased cancer rates or significant health and environmental impacts.
The United States remains committed to working with its allies and partners to meet Ukraine’s security needs and provide the necessary capabilities to safeguard its sovereignty.
