The United States will provide Ukraine with new military assistance worth $400 million, according to a statement on the website of the US Department of Defense.
Kyiv will receive funds for missiles for Hawk anti-aircraft missile systems, four Avenger air defense systems and Stinger missiles, 21,000 155-mm artillery shells, 500 high-precision 155-mm artillery shells, and 400 grenade launchers. In addition, 10,000 120-mm mortar mines, small arms, optics and demolition equipment and protective equipment for cold weather will be sent to Ukraine as part of the assistance.
“With Russia's relentless and brutal air attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure, additional air defense capabilities are critical. The HAWK missiles, which will be upgraded with funds from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, will complement Spain's recent commitment to provide HAWK launchers to help Ukraine deal with this threat. Avenger short-range air defense systems will also give Ukraine the ability to protect troops and critical infrastructure from drones and helicopters.”
In total, the United States has allocated more than $19.3 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, the report said.
Earlier, The Wall Street Journal, citing officials, reported that the United States would not transfer Gray Eagle MQ-1C drones to Ukraine. The Pentagon fears that this will aggravate the conflict and send a signal to the Kremlin that the United States is supplying weapons capable of attacking targets in Russia. Americans also worry that Russia could steal technology if it shoots down drones.
In November, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov reported that Kiev received the latest NASAMS anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) and Aspide anti-aircraft guided missiles (SAM) as military assistance.