US announces additional security assistance for Ukraine

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The Pentagon on Wednesday announced additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs.

"This includes the authorization of a Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package valued at up to $150 million to provide Ukraine with key capabilities, including: additional air defense interceptors; artillery and other fires, and anti-tank weapons," it said in a statement.

It said the Pentagon announced a "significant package" of air defense interceptors using approximately $2.2 billion in Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds.

"This funding will be used to purchase interceptors for PATRIOT and NASAMS air defense systems for Ukraine," it added.

In a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Tuesday that the US will "soon" announce a new aid package for Ukraine worth more than $2.3 billion.