Biden to announce $225 million weapons package for Ukraine, including Patriot system

President Joe Biden is set to announce that the United States will supply Ukraine with another Patriot missile system to enhance its air defense capabilities in the wake of intensified Russian airstrikes, one of which recently struck a children’s hospital in Kyiv. This second Patriot system, forming part of a $225 million aid package, will be unveiled during a meeting between Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The aid is being provided through presidential drawdown authority, enabling a swift transfer of the system from U.S. stocks to Ukraine.

Zelenskyy had previously requested more U.S.-made Patriot systems to aid in combatting the numerous bombs Russia is launching into Ukraine monthly. The Patriot system is among various military support measures announced by Biden at the NATO summit in Washington, showcasing a surge in commitments to arm Ukraine against Russian assaults. Besides the U.S., Germany, and Romania agreeing to supply Patriot batteries, additional components will be contributed by the Netherlands, Italy will provide a SAMP-T air defense system, and other allies like Canada, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom will offer diverse defense systems such as NASAMS and HAWKs, as well as munitions for these systems.

Furthermore, the U.S. recently pledged an extra $150 million in weapons from its reserves, including air defense interceptors, artillery, anti-tank weapons, and committed $2.2 billion through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative for the procurement of long-term weapons systems like Patriot missiles and NASAM air defense systems.