US Fast-Tracks $138 Million Air Defense Aid for Ukraine Amid Crisis
According to Bloomberg, the US Department of State has approved a $138 million purchase of air defense equipment for Ukraine. This emergency aid comes in response to the shelling of Ukrainian cities, while a broader aid package is currently stalled in the House of Representatives.
7:02 AM EDT, April 10, 2024
This extensive assistance for Ukraine is pending a vote in the US House of Representatives and is obstructed by Republicans. Their opposition is influenced by former President Donald Trump, who has urged them to reject the package.
Bloomberg reports that in a swift response to the crisis, the US Department of State sanctioned the procurement of $138 million worth of air defense systems for Ukraine.
Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, highlighted the "extraordinary situation" that necessitates the immediate sale of equipment, services, and training connected to the Hawk Phase III missile system by RTX Corp.
The Biden administration has repeatedly contacted the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, pressing for a vote on a comprehensive financial aid package that would support Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Yet, as Bloomberg notes, Johnson has consistently declined.
The US Central Command has disclosed that the US government has supplied the Ukrainian armed forces with thousands of weapons confiscated from Iran that were destined for Houthi fighters in Yemen.
