United States Announces New Aid Program Worth Half Billion Dollars for Ukraine.
13 Dec, 2024 - 12:32Ukraine - Russia conflict
The U.S. government, under President Joe Biden's administration, has announced a new $500 million arms aid package to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The announcement was made on Thursday by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, emphasizing continued U.S. commitment to providing military assistance as Ukraine defends itself against Russia's invasion.
The new package includes critical ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARMs), essential components in Ukraine's defense strategy. These systems have been instrumental in enhancing Ukraine's artillery capabilities, offering increased precision and mobility on the battlefield. The HIMARS system, in particular, has proven crucial in striking Russian supply lines and military infrastructure deep behind enemy lines.
This latest package is part of the broader U.S. strategy to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities as it faces intense Russian aggression.
- The package was announced amid reports of escalating Russian offensives in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces have made significant territorial gains.
- At the same time, Russia has intensified air strikes targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, leaving the country struggling with power shortages as winter conditions worsen.
White House spokesperson John Kirby affirmed that the U.S. would continue to send additional arms packages to Ukraine "right up to the end of this administration," underscoring the sustained U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine.
- This comes just 10 days after the U.S. previously announced a $725 million package that included missiles, ammunition, anti-personnel mines, and other military aid.
The Biden administration has utilized the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) to expedite weapons deliveries directly from U.S. stockpiles, allowing for swift deployment of resources without the need for congressional approval.
The announcement reflects the U.S. government's continued support for Ukraine’s defense and the strategic importance of ensuring that the country has the necessary tools to withstand the Russian invasion. The aid also comes at a critical time, as Ukraine is facing a winter of heightened tensions and continuing military pressure.
In conclusion, the U.S. government's decision to send an additional $500 million in military aid underscores its unwavering support for Ukraine’s defense efforts.
- The continued provision of advanced weaponry, including HIMARS and HARMs, is expected to further strengthen Ukraine's military capabilities and help it push back against Russian advances in the east.
- The ongoing U.S. support is critical as Ukraine faces an increasingly challenging battlefield, and the Biden administration remains committed to standing with Ukraine "right up to the end."
The newly appointed commander of Ukraine's Ground Forces, General Mykhailo Drapatyi, unveiled plans for fundamental reforms in the branch on Dec. 12, aiming to enhance its effectiveness on the battlefield.
The proposed changes include a revamped recruitment system with "zero tolerance for corruption," improved military training tailored to front-line needs, and integration of advanced technology into training and operational processes.
The announcement comes amid reports of personnel shortages in Ukraine's military. Mobilization efforts have slowed in recent months, leaving front-line units undermanned.
Drapatyi emphasized that the Ground Forces should become an "elite" military unit, focusing on personnel, technology, and transparent management.
The commander highlighted the importance of reforming training curricula and centers to better prepare soldiers for modern warfare. Social support for service members will also be prioritized under Drapatyi’s leadership.
The Associated Press reported on Nov. 27 that the U.S. has urged Ukraine to lower its draft age to address these shortages.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated on Dec. 9 that Washington is prepared to provide additional training and weapons if Kyiv implements this measure.
Drapatyi has a distinguished record, including commanding the 58th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade and playing a critical role in the liberation of Mariupol in 2014.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, who appointed Drapatyi on Nov. 29, stressed that internal changes in the military are vital to achieving Ukraine’s strategic objectives.
Ukrainian general to overhaul training, management amid manpower woes
A Russian service member rides in the back of a military buggy during combat training at a firing range, in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict, in Krasnodar region, Russia December 12, 2024. REUTERS/Sergey Pivovarov
KYIV (Reuters) - The new commander of Ukraine's ground forces plans a "massive transformation" of his branch to improve troop training, management and recruitment, Kyiv said on Friday, as it grapples with manpower problems at the front.
The overhaul by Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi, who assumed his post last month, comes as Ukraine's outmanned and outgunned army is struggling to halt a grinding Russian march in the east that has brought Moscow's fastest gains since 2022.
The military said the changes would cover training regimes as well as battlefield and logistics management, including by cutting corruption, embracing technology and strengthening the role of non-commissioned officers.
"Today, the ground forces need changes, new energy among its soldiers, and a modern approach to the development of their capabilities," the military quoted Drapatyi as saying at a high-level security meeting.
Ukraine has sought to replenish its ranks through mobilisation and Western-style recruitment, but has faced difficulties as reports of corruption, poor training and mismanagement have dented enthusiasm for service.
Authorities are also battling a rise in desertions as frontline troops grow physically and mentally exhausted from nearly three years of war.
"Changes will certainly come," Drapatyi said. "No matter how difficult it is, we have no right not to do it."
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on Thursday for changes at training centres that would allow recruits to learn directly under battlefield commanders. He has also appointed a prominent brigade commander as a senior battlefield adviser.
Fighting has raged in recent weeks as Kyiv and Moscow aim to secure a stronger position at any future negotiations, a prospect anticipated by both sides after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office next month.
- Ukraine is under pressure from the outgoing U.S. Biden administration to lower the draft age, a move Ukrainian officials have ruled out, saying their forces need more Western kit to equip the men already mobilised.
Ukraine expanded its mobilisation drive in April, lowering the call-up age to 25 from 27, but since then has steadily lost ground in the east while launching an incursion into Russia's Kursk region.
Kyiv is loath to reduce the mobilisation age further, fearing the damage it could do to the already-bad demographic outlook for the country. Tens of thousands of soldiers have been killed and millions of people fled the country during the invasion.
(Reporting by Dan Peleschuk, Editing by Tom Balmforth and Angus MacSwan)
A new package of US military aid of half a billion dollars for Ukraine
YES.Prev 9 hours
The administration of US President Joe Biden has announced another package of arms aid to Ukraine, worth $500 million, according to a statement from Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.
White House spokesman John Kirby said earlier that the United States would continue to provide additional aid packages to Ukraine "through the very end of this administration."
Washington announced 10 days ago that it will send missiles, ammunition, anti-personnel mines and other weapons worth 725 million dollars to Ukraine.
No comments:
Post a Comment