(TotalConservative.com) – The U.S. will drop another $2 billion on the war in Ukraine, the Department of Defense announced on Friday, as a security assistance package to build on previous aid.
The new package, which was announced by Pentagon officials on the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, will include mine-clearing equipment, electronic equipment for warfare detection, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, 155 mm artillery ammunition, and other perks.
Secretary of Defense Loyd Austin III called the anniversary a “solemn” occasion, and “an opportunity for all who believe in freedom, rules, and sovereignty to recommit” themselves to support Ukrainian armed forces “for the long haul,” as well as a reminder that the “stakes of Russia’s war” affect the world at large.
Austin reflected on the U.S. support of Ukraine and defense spending to aid their efforts over the last year, amounting to $32 billion in weapons and artillery. He also praised the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and all of the contributions provided by its member-states to assist Ukraine, stating that the organization is “more united than ever” and that the U.S. remains “ironclad” in its commitment to defending “every inch of allied territory.”
Austin called the conflict “Putin’s reckless, illegal war” and said it’s more than “an all-out assault on Ukraine’s sovereignty and a historic threat to European security,” implying Russia’s invasion is a threat to the world at large.
Earlier this week, the day after President Joe Biden’s surprise visit to Ukraine to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Secretary of State Antony Blinken also warned China to not send weapons to help Russia in their war efforts.
Perhaps in response to America’s warning, and to try and alleviate speculation that they will provide military assistance, China is now calling for a cease-fire and peace talks between Russia and Ukraine as part of a 12-point plan announced by China’s Foreign Ministry. They also called for the end of Russian sanctions by the West, safe passage for civilians fleeing the conflict, and methods to ensure nuclear facilities as well as exporting grain.
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