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The US has committed to a $200 million military aid package for Ukraine, containing air defense and rocket ammunition.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Wednesday during a two-day gathering of Kyiv’s international backers at NATO’s Brussels base. This latest support comes after Congress recently omitted further funding for Ukraine, leading some to speculate about the US’s ongoing dedication to aiding Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

Secretary Austin reinforced the US’s commitment, vowing that America will support Ukraine “for as long as it takes.” The Biden administration can allocate over $5 billion in military equipment despite Congress’s inaction. Yet, only $1.6 billion is available in the Defense Department’s coffers to replenish the provided arsenal. Throughout the war, the US supplied Ukraine with $44 billion in military assistance, including tanks, rockets, and ample ammunition. This figure does not include any humanitarian or budget assistance.

In Brussels, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized his nation’s preparedness and requested additional armaments, stating, “Now, we need some support from the leaders.” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted the potential threat of Russia using winter to strike Ukraine’s energy framework, suggesting enhanced air defenses could be pivotal.