U.S. Approves $61 Billion Military Aid Package for Ukraine

The U.S. government has officially approved a substantial military aid package for Ukraine, amounting to $61 billion, as confirmed by President Joe Biden on Wednesday.

This assistance comes as Ukrainian forces continue to combat Russian aggression in a conflict now stretching over two years.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the support and stressed the importance of timely aid deployment. “The key now is speed,” Zelenskyy posted on X.

The U.S. financial assistance aims to address critical shortages faced by Ukrainian forces, notably in artillery shells and air defence systems. Political debates in the U.S. about the $61 billion Ukrainian aid delayed its approval, which enabled Russian forces to advance in eastern Ukraine.

In a move to enhance Ukraine’s long-range capabilities, U.S. officials confirmed the recent secret delivery of long-range missiles to Ukraine, including Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMs) with a reach of approximately 300 kilometres (190 miles). These missiles were reportedly used last week to target a Russian-occupied airfield in Crimea.

Additional ATACMs are expected to be part of the ongoing support under the new U.S. aid package.

Furthermore, Ukraine is taking internal measures to strengthen its armed forces, including lowering the conscription age from 27 to 25.

The Ukrainian government has also imposed restrictions on passport renewals for men aged 18 to 60 abroad, requiring them to return to Ukraine for renewal — a move aimed at maintaining the military workforce.

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