Unsettling update for Ukraine. Statement from the White House
7:46 AM EDT, November 4, 2023
The Pentagon has officially declared the implementation of the 50th weapons package for Ukraine. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre reported that this allocation has depleted the funds from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) program.
The 50th weapons aid to Kyiv from Washington includes items such as NASAMS systems' missiles, HIMARS systems' ammunition, TOW, Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank missiles, Claymore anti-infantry mines, trucks, and winter equipment, among others.
Moreover, as part of the USAI program, additional laser-guided missiles for anti-drone systems will be purchased for Ukraine.
The estimated value of the transferred ammunition and equipment is approximately 125 million USD, while the second part of the package is valued at 300 million USD.
Is US Assistance for Ukraine Running Out?
Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House spokesperson, expressed that the 50th package has depleted the USAI program's resources.
"Considering the impasse in securing Congressional funding for Ukraine, we're beginning to dispatch smaller military aid packages to Kyiv," she stated, indicating an evolution in assistance strategy.
Nevertheless, the Pentagon retains the capability to transfer its equipment, worth over 5 billion dollars, to Ukraine.
The Department continues to urge Congress to allocate additional funds, intended to last until the end of the fiscal year, which is September 2024.
