The massive tranche of military aid amounts to nearly $13 billion that the US has provided or promised to Kyiv under the Biden administration. The new package was announced on the country’s independence day and ahead of an expected Ukrainian counterattack against Russian-held territories. “The United States of America is committed to supporting the people of Ukraine as they continue their struggle to defend their sovereignty,” Biden said in a statement. “As part of this commitment, I am proud to announce the largest tranche of security assistance to date: approximately $2.98 billion in arms and equipment to be provided through the Ukraine Security Initiative. This will allow Ukraine to acquire air defense systems, artillery systems and ammunition, anti-drone aerial systems and radars to ensure that it continues to defend itself in the long term.” Drone defense is particularly important as Russian forces, facing low morale, general exhaustion and widespread equipment shortages, have expanded their use of drones, an area where they receive support from Iran. Russian officials watched a demonstration of Iranian drones in June, and US officials believe the Russians are training to use them inside Iran. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed his gratitude for the new aid, which includes some of the weapons he has been demanding. “The people of Ukraine, all our defenders are highly valued [the USA’s] unwavering support. Together we will win!” Zelensky said in a tweet. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the US had “shown it will stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes” and a recent poll by the Chicago Council on World Affairs showed little sign of “Ukraine fatigue”. so far in the US electorate. Nearly three-quarters of Americans polled supported increasing military aid to Ukraine. 58 percent agreed with the statement that the US should support Ukraine “for as long as it takes, even if American households have to pay higher gas and food prices as a result.” And 38% thought the US should send troops to Ukraine to fight the Russians, something Biden has vowed not to do. On most questions there was little difference between the views of Democrats and Republicans, making it one of relatively few issues that did not divide the country. That level of bipartisan support could become an important factor if Republicans regain control of the House of Representatives in November’s congressional elections.
