On July 11, 2024, US President Joe Biden announced a new $225 million military aid package for Ukraine during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the NATO summit in Washington. This package, the eighth approved by Biden since late April, includes a Patriot air defense system, ammunition for NASAMS, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, HIMARS rocket systems, and Javelin anti-tank weapons.The announcement comes as part of a broader show of support from NATO allies. More than 20 NATO member countries have signed security agreements with Ukraine, and NATO leaders have committed to providing at least $40 billion in military aid to Kyiv over the next year. This support underscores NATO’s declaration that Ukraine’s integration into the alliance is now considered irreversible.Zelensky expressed gratitude for the aid, calling it “very strong news”. However, he also urged NATO to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s ability to attack targets in Russian territory. “If we want to win, if we want to resist, if we want to save our country and defend it, we need all restrictions to be lifted,” Zelensky stated.NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg noted that some allies have already relaxed restrictions on the use of weapons provided to Ukraine, allowing it to target legitimate military targets in Russian territory. However, each NATO country remains sovereign in deciding whether Ukraine can use their weapons for such attacks.The ongoing support for Ukraine and discussions at the NATO summit highlight the continuing tensions between Ukraine and Russia. While Zelensky expressed optimism about Ukraine’s eventual NATO membership, he acknowledged that full accession may not be possible while the conflict with Russia continues.Russia has criticized the new aid package, stating that it will hinder the resolution of the conflict and directly involve NATO countries in the hostilities. Despite these objections, the US and its allies remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts against Russian aggression.
Key points
- US announces new $225 million military aid package for Ukraine, including a Patriot air defense system.
- Over 20 NATO countries have signed security agreements with Ukraine, showing increased support.
- Zelensky urges NATO to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s ability to attack targets in Russian territory.
- NATO leaders declare Ukraine’s integration into the alliance as irreversible.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported value of the aid package, with some sources citing $225 million and others mentioning $250 million.
👾While most sources report this as the second Patriot system provided by the US to Ukraine, one source suggests it’s part of a commitment to provide five strategic air defense systems.
