With the billions upon billions of dollars already allocated for Ukraine, one must begin asking themselves: What more does Ukraine need?
Heading the demands of Ukraine’s President Zelensky, Joe Biden is set to announce another $750 million in military assistance for the embattled country as they stave off a military incursion from Russia.
The amount would be in addition to more than $1.7 billion in security assistance the U.S. has authorized for Ukraine since Russia invaded on February 24. The announcement could come as early as next week.
“The equipment would be funded using Presidential Drawdown Authority, or PDA, in which the president can authorize the transfer of articles and services from U.S. stocks without congressional approval in response to an emergency,” Reuters reported on Tuesday.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced just last week that the U.S. had authorized $100 million in additional military aid to Ukraine to defend itself against Russia’s ongoing invasion.
“The world has been shocked and appalled by the atrocities committed by Russia’s forces in Bucha and across Ukraine. Ukraine’s forces bravely continue to defend their country and their freedom, and the United States, along with our Allies and partners, stand steadfast in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Blinken said in a statement from the State Department.
The announcement marked the sixth time the Department of Defense has authorized spending for Ukrainian military aid since August.
“I have authorized, pursuant to a delegation from the President earlier today, the immediate drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $100 million to meet Ukraine’s urgent need for additional anti-armor systems. This authorization is the sixth drawdown of arms, equipment, and supplies from Department of Defense inventories for Ukraine since August 2021,” the statement noted.
The report comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky released a video in English on Twitter Wednesday calling for Western nations to “arm Ukraine now.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned in the new video on Wednesday that Russia’s invasion will become an “endless bloodbath” unless Ukraine receives additional weapons.
“Without additional weaponry, this war will become an endless bloodbath, spreading misery, suffering, and destruction. Mariupol, Bucha, Kramatorsk – the list will be continued. Nobody will stop Russia except Ukraine with Heavy Weapons. #ArmUkraineNow,” the post said.
https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1514242356949704709
Meanwhile, Zelensky has been interviewed on numerous television programs in America as well as posting videos of his own. Hollywood has embraced Zelensky as a hero, too. The Ukrainian President recently appeared on video during the 2022 Grammy Awards.
Author: Asa McCue
