Topline
President Joe Biden announced Wednesday afternoon he’d authorized another $800 million to go toward aiding Ukraine, saying the funding will be used for weapons aimed at fending off Russia as it “prepares to intensify its attack in the Donbas region” of eastern Ukraine.
President Joe Biden waves as he walks to speak to reporters before boarding Air Force One at Des … [+]
Key Facts
“Artillery systems, artillery rounds, and armored personnel carriers” will be included in the new package, along with helicopters, though the White House didn’t specify the quantities of each.
The package is designed to give Ukrainians new capabilities that are specifically tailored to combat the anticipated Russian barrage of eastern Ukraine, according to the White House.
Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for about an hour Wednesday before announcing the additional aid.
Crucial Quote
“The steady supply of weapons the United States and its Allies and partners have provided to Ukraine has been critical in sustaining its fight against the Russian invasion,” Biden said in a statement. “It has helped ensure that Putin failed in his initial war aims to conquer and control Ukraine. We cannot rest now.”
Key Background
The U.S. has already provided more than $2 billion in direct aid to Ukraine, and Biden last month signed a government funding bill authorizing a total of $13.6 billion in spending to defend Ukraine. Biden said Wednesday U.S. assistance has been used to “devastating effect” since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into Ukraine on February 24, along with “the transfer of significant capabilities from our Allies and partners around the world.” Javelin anti-tank missiles, Switchblade drones and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles are among the weapons the U.S. has already supplied to Ukrainian forces.
What To Watch For
Putin said Tuesday the war in Ukraine will “continue until its full completion,” claiming the goal is trying “to help people” in Russian-speaking areas of eastern Ukraine, where Ukrainian officials estimate Russian attacks have killed tens of thousands of civilians. Russian forces appear to be repositioning for ramped up attacks in the eastern part of Ukraine following a retreat from the northern region of the country after Ukrainians repelled Russian advances toward Kyiv.
Further Reading
‘Thousands’ Of Russian Troops Preparing For New Attacks In East, Zelensky Warns (Forbes)
Biden Signs $1.5 Trillion Spending Bill With $14 Billion For Ukraine Aid—Here’s What’s In It (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2022/04/13/biden-announces-800-million-in-new-assistance-mostly-weapons-for-ukraine/