U.S. able to meet both Ukraine, Israel's defense needs - Pentagon

The defense assistance packages for Ukraine and Israel contain only a few common positions so the United States is ready to provide assistance to both countries at the same time.

This was announced on a briefing on Monday by a spokesman for the Department of Defense, General Patrick Ryder, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“As it relates to Israel, we will be able to support Israel with their needs. We will be able to support Ukraine with their needs,” the U.S. defense department spokesman said.

He noted that the situation on the battlefield in both countries is different, and in fact there are not many positions in assistance packages that match. In particular, he said, it is about 155mm artillery rounds.

 “Yes, 155 (mm rounds – ed.) is an area that both have in common. But, broadly speaking, that's just one small area.  And we don't assess right now that we're going to have any problems in providing them with both,” the general said.

In this context, the official noted that the United States, as well as the allies and partners, increases the production of such artillery shells.

"So, again, going forward, we're confident that we'll ultimately be able to meet those needs," the general said.

According to Ukrinform, citing the White House, U.S. President Joe Biden believes Ukraine and Israel equally need immediate support from both the United States and the international community.