After allowing Ukraine to strike Russian territory, US sends Kyiv $125m in aid package

After allowing Ukraine to strike Russian territory, US sends Kyiv $125m in aid package

The administration of US President Joe Biden is set to announce a new $125 million military aid package for Ukraine. The official announcement could come August 23, ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day, according to the Associated Press.

According to U.S. officials, the latest aid package includes: air defense missiles; ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems; ammunition for Javelin and other anti-tank missiles; systems and equipment for counter-drone operations; electronic warfare assets; 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition; vehicles and other equipment.

It is noted that the weapons are being provided under presidential authority for arms reduction, meaning they are drawn from Pentagon stockpiles and may be delivered more swiftly.

Recall, the U.S. gave Ukraine permission to use American-supplied weapons, including HIMARS rockets, to strike targets in Russia located near the border with Kharkiv Oblast, and over the past months, Ukraine's armed forces have used U.S.-supplied weapons to strike targets inside Russia.

Washington still prohibits Ukraine from using ATACMS and other long-range U.S.-supplied weapons for strikes deeper inside Russia, according to U.S. officials.

The new military package will come from Presidential Drawdown Authority, a mechanism that allows the president to deliver weaponry to allies from current U.S. stockpiles.