U.S. Ramps Up Military Aid for Ukraine with $375 Million Package

The U.S. is sending Ukraine $375 million in military aid, including medium-range cluster bombs and armored vehicles. This comes as President Zelenskyy meets with U.S. leaders at the U.N. General Assembly. The aid aims to bolster Ukrainian defenses against Russia as Congress debates extending further military support.

The United States is set to provide Ukraine with an aid package worth approximately $375 million, containing medium-range cluster bombs, rockets, artillery, and armored vehicles, according to U.S. officials on Tuesday.

The formal announcement is expected on Wednesday during the U.N. General Assembly, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will seek additional support and advocate for the use of long-range weapons against Russia. Zelenskyy will also meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington the following day.

This package, one of the largest to recently gain approval, includes air-to-ground bombs, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) munitions, Javelin anti-armor systems, and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. Provided through presidential drawdown authority, these weapons will be swiftly delivered from Pentagon stockpiles to aid Ukraine's military efforts.

With nearly $6 billion in aid funding set to expire this month unless extended by Congress, the latest package underscores the ongoing U.S. commitment to Ukraine's defense. Ongoing negotiations in Congress will decide whether the Pentagon's authority to send weapons will be extended as part of a short-term spending bill.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian and Russian forces continue to clash in Eastern Ukraine, with significant battles reported in the Kharkiv region. Zelenskyy's visit to a Pennsylvania ammunition factory on Sunday was a show of gratitude to workers producing essential munitions as the U.S. continues its robust support, totaling over $56.2 billion since Russia's invasion in February 2022.

(With inputs from agencies.)