Third batch of U.S. defense aid arrives in Ukraine
That’s according to a tweet by the Ministry of Defense, Ukrinform reports.
"The third final batch of additional foreign security assistance from the United States government for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, worth $60 million, including ammunition, anti-tank and high-precision weapons, medical equipment, etc., has arrived in Ukraine," the statement said.
Deputy Minister of Defense Oleksandr Nosov, Commander of the Medical Forces Brigadier General Tetyana Ostashchenko, and Chief of the Main Logistics Department at the General Staff Mykola Shevtsov were at the Boryspil Airport to meet the cargo plane, the Defense Ministry reported.
"Foreign security aid, worth $60 million, was made possible due to agreements reached during President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent visit to the United States. It has been provided in addition to the previously agreed $250 million," the report said.
Nosov expressed gratitude to the American side for the delivered technical means that significantly strengthen defense capabilities of Ukraine’s Armed Forces in the face of Russia’s armed aggression.
"Today we received another batch of assistance from the United States coming as a result of the agreements between the presidents of Ukraine and the United States, Volodymyr Zelensky and Joe Biden. This is a sincere, frank, and quick assistance to our military who will be able to utilize these means of medical and combat support on the front line,” Nosov said.
U.S. Embassy’s Defense Attache, Colonel Brittany Stewart, reaffirmed the unwavering support of the U.S. government, adding it is standing by its side in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the confrontation with Russia.
The United States is assisting Ukraine in building its Armed Forces, which includes logistical assistance and training – both tactical and strategic, according to Stewart, who said the U.S. wants to see Ukraine on its path to NATO as a peaceful and free country.
In turn, Lieutenant General Shevtsov noted that the latest aid batch includes high-tech military equipment and weaponry the Army was drastically lacking, as well as the necessary munitions. According to the official, the equipment received in previous shipments is already increasing the Army’s capabilities in counter-battery and anti-tank combat, as well as reconnaissance.
“A consignment of Javelin anti-tank missile systems with ammunition arrived today. We also received ammunition for the ‘NATO caliber’ weapons we have. The weaponry will be moved to the bases and depots, properly registered and handed over to our military for further use, including to the Joint Forces," Shevtsov said, emphasizing that these weapons bring Ukraine closer to NATO Allies.
Brigadier General Tetiana Ostashchenko added that the cargo from the United States also includes personal protective equipment – medical kits. She recalled that military medical training in the Armed Forces is pursued in line with NATO standards.
"Undoubtedly, this PPE will be handed to certain military units, where it will save servicemen’s lives and health. In general, the United States has once again confirmed its status as a reliable and strong partner," Ostashchenko concluded.
As Ukrinform reported earlier, on October 10 and 18, the previous two defense aid batches arrived from the U.S. In addition to the previously agreed $250 million in assistance, Ukraine received $ 60 million worth of medical supplies, weapons, ammunition, high-precision arms, and radar surveillance.
🛬До України прибула третя заключна партія додаткової міжнародної безпекової допомоги на 60 млн доларів від Уряду Сполучених Штатів Америки для потреб Збройних Сил України, що включає боєприпаси, протитанкове та високоточне озброєння, медичне майно тощо. pic.twitter.com/4dgriozXTX
— Defence of Ukraine (@DefenceU) October 22, 2021
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