On Thursday, January 9, the United States announced a new military aid package for Ukraine worth $500 million. This is the last assistance during Joe Biden's presidency and before Donald Trump's arrival.
This was announced by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on Thursday, January 9.
"I am announcing today a new aid package worth $500 million," Austin said.
According to Austin, the package includes additional missiles for Ukrainian air defense, more ammunition, air-to-ground munitions, and other equipment, particularly to support F-16 fighter jets currently in Ukraine.
"Here at Ramstein, I am determined to do everything possible to help Ukraine live in freedom and security – and to create a more just and worthy world. Our joint efforts must continue," the Pentagon chief stated.
Austin added that "Ukraine is waging a just war of self-defense. And this is one of the greatest causes of our time."
During the Ramstein meeting, partners also agreed on plans to support Ukraine until 2027, finalizing eight roadmaps for enhancing defense capabilities.
According to the Ukrainian Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, the coalition roadmaps define Ukraine's strategic goals until 2027 and serve as the foundation for medium- and long-term support.
"These roadmaps are a collective result of the work of Ukraine and its partners. 34 participating countries have already become part of these coalitions. This is also an important signal for the Ukrainian defense industry: there is a demand for weapons and equipment, and it is very high," he wrote on Telegram.
Let us remind you that today, at the opening of Ramstein, President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke. He stated that Ukraine needs immediate supplies of air defense systems to prevent tragedies like the one that occurred in Zaporizhzhia the day before.
On December 30, President Joe Biden announced a defense aid package for Ukraine totaling nearly $2.5 billion. This package included the transfer of weapons and equipment from Pentagon stocks worth $1.25 billion, as well as orders for new weapons amounting to $1.22 billion under the Ukraine Security Initiative (USAI).
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