Blinken Announces $600 Million in Military Aid for Ukraine

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday announced that the United States will send a further $600 million worth of military equipment to Ukraine.

The latest drawdown of U.S. military inventory is the 21st authorized by Blinken since September last year.

“Together with our Allies and partners, we are delivering the arms and equipment that Ukraine’s forces are utilizing so effectively as they continue their successful counter-offensive against Russia’s invasion,” Blinken said in a statement.

The shipment of additional military equipment, arms, and munitions from the U.S. Department of Defense will add to U.S. assets already sent to Ukraine.

“This drawdown will bring the total U.S. military assistance for Ukraine to approximately $15.8 billion since the beginning of this Administration,” Blinken said.

A destroyed school in Verbivka, recently recaptured from Russia by the Ukrainian army in a lightning counter-offensive, in eastern Ukraine, on Sept. 15, 2022. (Sergey Bobok/AFP via Getty Images)

“With admirable grit and determination, the people of Ukraine are defending their homeland and fighting for their future. The United States is providing Ukraine military assistance alongside our Allies and partners from more than 50 countries to support its defense,” Blinken added.

He said that President Joe Biden “has been clear” that the United States will support the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes.

“The capabilities we are delivering are carefully calibrated to make the most difference on the battlefield and strengthen Ukraine’s hand at the negotiating table when the time is right,” he said.

Western Military Aid ‘Crucial for Peace in Europe’

It comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who regularly calls for stronger support from Western allies, on Thursday spoke of the need for military aid to Ukraine. 

“In general, supporting Ukraine with weapons, ammunition and finances is crucial for peace in Europe. The better support