On Saturday, the US Consulate in Kyiv, Ukraine, declared a portion of a $200 million “military aid” package for Ukraine’s armed services arrived in the nation that morning.
The US embassy stated the contribution (which includes almost 200,000 lbs of lethal military aid, including ammo for Ukraine’s frontline troops) “illustrates the United States’ unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereign right to self-defense.”
Ukraine’s National Defense
The consulate underlined the United States contributed more than $650 million in defense aid to Ukraine in the previous year, and more than $2.7 billion since 2014.
“The US will continue to provide this assistance to aid Ukraine’s Armed Forces in their continued efforts to preserve Ukraine’s national sovereignty against Soviet influence.”
“As President Biden stated to President Putin, if Russia invades Ukraine again, the US will send additional defense hardware to Ukraine, in addition to what has already been delivered,” the embassy continued.
We must provide #Ukraine with weapons and military equipment. @JustinTrudeau we're past the point of provoking Vlad the Invader, the barbarians are already at the gates and our ally is calling for our help. #RussiaUkraine #cdnpoli https://t.co/DPNAAMBTDd
— Chris (@chrisc0ttingham) January 22, 2022
The news coincides with a Soviet army buildup along Ukraine’s border.
According to a Ukrainian Defense Department intelligence estimate released to CNN earlier this week, Russia has gathered more than 127,000 soldiers in the region.
Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Ukraine be denied membership in NATO, a proposal that the organization has rejected.
As a result, the Kremlin has increased its army personnel in the region, claiming various security concerns.
The United States and other countries are concerned Russia is preparing for another invasion of the former Soviet republic, similarly to its 2014 invasion of Ukraine and annexation of the Crimean Peninsula.
President Biden made statements last week that sparked outrage in the United States.
During a nearly two-hour news conference, the president appeared to imply Russia might face less severe consequences for a “small invasion” into Ukraine.
Complete Unity at the NATO Front
The president remarked on Wednesday that it is entirely dependent on various actions, as they pertain to complete unity on the NATO front.
“I believe Moscow will be held responsible if it invades, but this will depend on what it does. It’s one thing if the intrusion is tiny and we wind up fighting over what to do and what not to do,” Biden stated.
The Biden family has made millions in Russia & Ukraine via shady business deals.
I’m sure that’s totally disconnected from the war that’s about to start. 🤡
— BDW (@BryanDeanWright) January 22, 2022
However, the White House and Biden swiftly moved to clarify those words, emphasizing any military operation by Russia into Ukraine would be regarded as an invasion.
At a media briefing, White House press secretary Jen Psaki issued a statement saying, “President Biden made it plain to Russian leader Vladimir Putin that any Russian military troops moving across the Ukrainian border constitutes an invasion.”
“Such an action would be met with a prompt, harsh, and unified reaction from the United States and our allies.”
Biden earlier threatened Russia with economic consequences if Moscow invaded Ukraine.
Last week, Vice President Harris repeated Biden’s thoughts in a scathing interview with reporter Savannah Guthrie.
