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US announces new US$600 million arms package for Ukraine

Washington has sent about US$15.1 billion dollars in security assistance to the Kyiv government since Russia's invasion.

Reuters
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Ukrainian gunmen ready to fire a US made M777 howitzer from their position on the front line in Kharkiv region on Aug 1, amid Russia's military invasion launched on Ukraine. Photo: AFP
Ukrainian gunmen ready to fire a US made M777 howitzer from their position on the front line in Kharkiv region on Aug 1, amid Russia's military invasion launched on Ukraine. Photo: AFP

US President Joe Biden announced a new US$600 million arms package to help the Ukrainian military battle Russia, according to a White House memo sent to the State Department on Thursday.

Biden authorised the assistance using his Presidential Drawdown Authority, which allows the president to authorise the transfer of excess weapons from US stocks.

The memo does not detail how the money would be used, but several sources told Reuters it was expected the package would contain munitions, including more high mobility artillery rocket systems (Himars). 

The package would include ammunition for howitzers, according to two sources who requested anonymity because they are not authorised to talk publicly.

The memo also mentions the money will be used for military education and training.

Washington has sent about US$15.1 billion dollars in security assistance to the Kyiv government since Russia's invasion.