Biden Strives To Provide Military Assistance To Ukraine As Much As Possible Before Trump Inaugurated
JAKARTA - United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a new military aid package from the US worth US $ 725 million to Ukraine.
Citing AFP, Tuesday, December 3, the package includes second-stage landmine assistance as well as anti-air and anti-tank weapons.
The aid was announced less than two months before the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump.
Blinken said this US aid was to ensure Ukraine had the capability needed to defend itself from Russian aggression.
In addition to anti-personnel landmine assistance, the US provides Ukraine with ammunition for HIMARS precision rocket launchers, Stinger missiles, anti-drone systems, anti-tank weapons, and artillery ammunition.
The US announced the first shipment of landmines to Ukraine last month a major policy emerged which human rights groups criticized.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the decision to provide military assistance to Ukraine was necessary because Russia deployed infantry units, not military vehicles.
"Ukraine needs things that can help slow Russia's efforts," Austin told reporters last month.
The US government led by President Joe Biden who will step down will soon seek to deploy as much aid as possible to Ukraine before Trump takes the lead.
Trum had issued a statement that it could push for a ceasefire for several hours after becoming US President. Trump has also repeatedly criticized US aid for Ukraine.
Trump's remarks have sparked concerns in Ukraine and Europe about the future of US aid, and Ukraine's ability to contain Russian attacks without continued US support.