U.S. to support Ukraine as long as needed, Blinken reaffirms

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reiterated his country’s readiness to further support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.

That’s according to Blinken’s statement on the allocation of the latest security assistance package to Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.

“As we approach the six-month mark of Russia’s unprovoked and brutal full-scale war against Ukraine, President Putin’s forces continue their assault, inflicting grievous harm on civilians and causing massive destruction of civilian infrastructure,” Blinken said.

He noted that President Joe Biden had been clear that the U.S. “will continue to support the people of Ukraine in defending their country from Russia’s aggression for as long as it takes.”

As part of the latest $775 million drawdown, Ukraine will receive “additional arms, munitions, and equipment from U.S. Department of Defense inventories, equipment that Ukraine’s forces have used so effectively for their country’s defense.”

Since the beginning of the current Administration, the latest package brings total U.S. security assistance committed to Ukraine to approximately $10.6 billion, Blinken stressed.

The United States stands with more than 50 countries in providing “vital security assistance to support Ukraine’s defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the State Secretary said.

 “The courage and strength of Ukraine’s military and its people are extraordinary, and the United States will continue to provide additional systems and capabilities for Ukraine.  These capabilities are carefully calibrated to make the most difference on the battlefield and strengthen Ukraine’s position at the negotiating table,” the top diplomat concluded.

As reported earlier, delegated the relevant authority by President Biden, State Secretary Blinken has authorized the nineteenth drawdown since September 2021 of U.S. arms and equipment, utilizing this authority.