In a phone call with Zelensky, Biden announces a new $625 million military aid package for Ukraine.
The US doesn't have billions to send to Ukraine, and the conflict poses a nuclear risk to the country, criticizes congressman.
Sputnik - Since January, Washington has already sent more than US$16,8 billion (R$86,6 billion) in aid to Ukraine. The new package includes Himars multiple rocket launchers, howitzers, and artillery ammunition.
In a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, US leader Joe Biden announced on Tuesday (4) further military aid to Kiev worth $625 million (R$ 3,2 billion).
"President Joseph R. Biden Jr., accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris, spoke today [4] with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine […] and pledged to continue supporting Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression for as long as necessary, including today providing a new $625 million [R$ 3,2 billion] security assistance package that includes additional weapons and equipment, including Himars, artillery and ammunition systems, and armored vehicles," the White House said in a statement.
The Pentagon then detailed that in addition to the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), 155mm howitzers and 105mm artillery ammunition will also be sent.
"The capabilities of this package include: four high-mobility artillery rocket systems [Himars] and associated ammunition; 16 155mm howitzers; 75.000 rounds of 155mm artillery; 500 precision-guided 155mm artillery rounds; 1.000 rounds of 155mm remote anti-armor mine systems (RAAM); and 16 105mm howitzers," the Department of Defense said in a statement.
In addition, the aid package will include 30.000 rounds of 120mm mortar ammunition, 200 MaxxPro mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles, 200.000 rounds of small arms ammunition, obstacle-laying equipment, and claymore anti-personnel munitions, the Pentagon said.
To date, the United States has committed more than $16,8 billion (R$ 86,6 billion) to Ukraine's security needs since January.
The US doesn't have billions to send to Ukraine, and the conflict poses a nuclear risk to the country, says congressman.
US taxpayers cannot afford to continue sending billions of dollars more to Ukraine, as Washington risks a nuclear conflict with Russia due to its continued engagement with Kiev, Congressman Matt Rosendale said on Tuesday (4).
"American taxpayers don't have $70 billion [R$ 361,5 billion] for Ukraine. I fear that our increasing involvement is a threat to our national security and puts us on a collision course with another nuclear power," Rosendale said via social media.
The United States should instead turn its attention to spending taxpayer funds on domestic issues, such as protecting the southern border and fighting crime, Rosendale said.
In February, before the launch of Russia's special military operation, Rosendale introduced legislation that would prohibit the U.S. government from providing security assistance to Ukraine until a wall was completed on the southern border.
The US pledged more than $17,5 billion (R$ 90,4 billion) in military assistance to Ukraine under the Biden administration on Tuesday (4), following the announcement of a new $625 million (R$ 3,2 billion) security package for Kiev, according to the State Department.
Accusations of nuclear threats followed comments by Russian President Vladimir Putin in a recent speech, during which he stated that Russia would spare no means to defend its territory.
However, the US has not yet seen any indication of changes in the Russian nuclear posture that would lead the Pentagon to adjust its own posture, said White House strategic communications coordinator John Kirby today (4).