Russia-Ukraine war: US to send $1.8 billion in additional military aid, including Patriot missile systems

The United States this week announced that it would be sending an additional $1.8 billion in additional military assistance to Ukraine as the war is approaching its 10th month. Included in the additional aid is the Patriot missile system.

US President Joe Biden confirmed media reports of the latest package of military aid to Ukraine in a press conference after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his first visit to Washington since Russia’s invasion in February.

Biden said the US would train Ukrainian forces to use the Patriot system, which would “take time”, but said the system would be a “critical asset for Ukraine” in its pushback against Russia.

The announcement also marks the first time the United States is providing Ukraine with the Patriot system. The US leader added that he felt Russian leader Vladimir Putin had no intention of ending the war. Biden said that he and Zelenskyy both envision the end of the war as having a “free, independent, prosperous, and secure Ukraine,” reaffirming Washington’s support.

Aside from a Patriot system, the Pentagon said the new batch of aid also includes ammunition for high-mobility artillery rocket systems, precision-guided artillery rounds, and high-speed radiation missiles. With the newest aid, the US has provided an overall $50 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, according to the State Department.

Zelenskyy hailed the new batch of military assistance, saying the Patriot system will help Ukrainian forces stop Russia from bombarding its energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy added that he was sure the US and Ukraine would win against “tyranny” and described Russia as a “terrorist country.”

Zelenskyy addressed a special joint session of Congress later on the same day, thanking members of Congress and the American people for the support of Ukraine, reiterating that the support given was not a “charity” but an “investment” in a democratic world. Zelenskyy also said he hopes that bipartisan support for Ukraine will continue.

“It is a great honor for me to be at the US Congress and speak to you and all Americans. Against all doom and gloom scenarios, Ukraine did not fall. Ukraine is alive and kicking,” said Zelenskyy in his remarks. “We defeated Russia in the battle for the minds of the world.”