When to expect weapons: Pentagon names date of first delivery of US aid to Ukraine
The Americans are ready to send the first batch of weapons to the Ukrainian Armed Forces very quickly after the signing of the law on assistance to Ukraine. Thanks to well-established logistics, Ukrainians will receive the weapons in a few days. At the same time, the United States will automatically begin to replenish its own weapons stockpile.
Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder announced the probable timing of the delivery of weapons to Ukraine at a briefing on April 21. Overall, the package provides for billions of dollars to support Ukraine’s defense forces.
Part of the funds will be used to replenish the US arms stockpile, and the rest will be used to purchase new defense systems. According to Ukrainian officials, these systems are essential to the fight against Russian invaders.
Although the official list of weapons to be included in the first tranche has not been made public, U.S. Representative Patrick Ryder said it is likely to include air defense munitions and artillery.
“We have a very robust logistics network that allows us to move material very quickly,” – Ryder added. “We can deliver the weapons within a few days.”
The US may increase the number of troops in Ukraine
According to the US edition of Politico, the US Department of Defense is considering expanding the presence of the US military in Ukraine. In particular, it is about sending additional military advisors to the US Embassy in Kyiv. It is also possible that a contingent of about 60 soldiers will be deployed in Ukraine.
However, the newspaper’s sources emphasize that these soldiers will not take part in hostilities. Their tasks will be to provide advice and training to the Ukrainian military.
As you know, yesterday, April 20, 311 congressmen approved the bill to help Ukraine for $60.64 billion, while 114 voted against it. The House of Representatives also passed other documents on aid to Taiwan and the confiscation of Russian assets in favor of Ukraine.
The bill on aid to Ukraine also includes a provision to replenish US stockpiles, with $23.2 billion of the total amount allocated for this purpose. In addition, it includes $13.8 billion for arms purchases, $11.3 billion for “ongoing US military operations in the region,” and $26 million to continue oversight of aid provided to Kyiv. The act also provides for the transfer of long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine.
Earlier, the Informer wrote that US President Joe Biden thanked all the politicians who supported the bill on assistance to Ukraine.
