After months of delays and frustration, U.S. military aid is once again heading to Ukraine in significant quantities.
Among the first to arrive will be a $1 billion package of weapons and equipment from U.S. stockpiles, the Pentagon announced on April 24.
“This package will surge munitions, weapons, and equipment forward to support Ukraine’s ability to defend its frontlines, protect its cities, and counter Russia’s continued attacks,” the Pentagon said in a statement.
On April 26 the White House also announced a $6 billion package of military aid but crucially, the equipment pledged in this tranche won’t be coming from existing U.S. stocks.
Instead, these weapons and supplies will be procured from the defense industry meaning they will take much longer to arrive – months or possibly even years.
“This announcement represents the beginning of a contracting process to acquire additional priority capabilities for Ukraine,” the Pentagon said of the $6 billion package.