US Announces $2 Billion Arms Package for Ukraine, New Sanctions on Russia

By Dave DeCamp

The Biden administration marked the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Friday by announcing a $2 billion arms package for Ukraine and new sanctions targeting Russia.

Sanctions failed to have the impact on Russia that the US hoped for, but the Biden administration has continued to impose them throughout the war. According to the White House, the new sanctions targeted over 200 individuals and entities, including in Russia and other countries across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

The White House said the Commerce Department also listed nearly 90 companies on an export control list accused of helping Russia evade sanctions. The list includes mostly Russian companies, but also some based in China. Biden also imposed more tariffs on Russian metals, minerals, and chemical products.

The Pentagon announced the $2 billion in military aid, which includes HIMARS ammunition and three types of small drones that the US has not previously sent. The weapons are being provided through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which allows the Pentagon to purchase weapons for Ukraine.

The weapons package includes:

Additional ammunition for HIMARS
Additional 155mm artillery rounds
Munitions for laser-guided rocket systems
CyberLux K8 drones
Switchblade 600 drones
Altius-600 drones
Jump 20 drones
Counter-UAS and electronic warfare detection equipment
Mine clearing equipment
Secure communications support equipment
Funding for training, maintenance, and sustainment

The US has provided Ukraine with the Switchblade drones, but this is the first time the Pentagon has pledged to send the CyberLux K8, Altius-600, and Jump 20 (more info on the drones here).

According to a fact sheet released by the Pentagon, the US pledged $31.7 billion in military equipment for Ukraine during the first year of the war. New aid packages are still being pulled from the $45 billion for Ukraine spending Congress approved in December.

Source: Antiwar

Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com, follow him on Twitter @decampdave. View all posts by Dave DeCamp

Image: Anthony Freda Art – “Endless War”

Become a Patron!
Or support us at SubscribeStar
Donate cryptocurrency HERE

Subscribe to Activist Post for truth, peace, and freedom news. Follow us on SoMee, Telegram, HIVE, Flote, Minds, MeWe, Twitter, Gab, What Really Happened and GETTR.