US announces aid package to Ukraine as Xi and Putin meet in Moscow
Mike Brest
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The Biden administration announced its latest military aid package to Ukraine on Monday as Russian leader Vladimir Putin meets with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the package, which he said is valued at roughly $350 million, and said it will include “more ammunition for U.S.-provided HIMARS and howitzers that Ukraine is using to defend itself, as well as ammunition for Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, HARM missiles, anti-tank weapons, riverine boats, and other equipment.”
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This marks the 34th drawdown of U.S. stockpiles for Ukraine, and the total military aid the United States has provided to Ukraine has eclipsed $30 billion.
“This week, as Russia’s unconscionable war of aggression against Ukraine continues at great human cost, we are again reminded of the boundless courage and steadfast resolve of the Ukrainian people, and the strong support for Ukraine across the international community,” he said. “Russia alone could end its war today. Until Russia does, we will stand united with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
The package did not include weapons that Ukraine has repeatedly asked for, such as long-range missiles and F-16 fighter aircraft, which President Joe Biden has continued to deny.
On the battlefield, the fight in Bakhmut, Ukraine, remains a slow-moving stalemate that has cost both sides countless soldiers over the course of several months. Russian forces have continued to make incremental gains but have found fighting more difficult the closer they get to the city center.
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Xi landed in Moscow on Monday as he embarked on a three-day trip to Moscow, his first since Russia invaded Ukraine more than a year ago. While Xi and Beijing have claimed to promote peace, they do it under a guise that benefits Putin and Russia.
The Chinese released a peace plan to end the war, but it effectively would allow Russia to keep the territory it currently occupies in Ukraine, which Kyiv has quickly and consistently rejected throughout the war. The U.S. rejected the proposal as well and warned there was a possibility Xi could promote himself as a key peace negotiator during and after his trip to Moscow.