In a significant development, the United States has announced its decision to provide Patriot air defence missile systems to Ukraine as part of a $6bn additional aid package. This comes amid dire battlefield conditions and an ammunition shortage faced by Ukrainian troops in their ongoing fight against Russian military gains. The announcement was made by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on April 28, 2024.
The new aid package includes not only Patriot systems but also more munitions for NASAMS and additional gear to integrate Western air defence launchers, missiles, and radars into Ukraine's existing weaponry. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously urged the need for at least seven Patriot systems to protect Ukrainian cities.
The US is working with allies to resource additional Patriot systems but has not yet committed to sending more US versions. The new funding also includes High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), Switchblade and Puma drones, counter-drone systems, and artillery. Since Russia's invasion in 2022, the US has provided over $44bn worth of weapons, maintenance, training, and spare parts to Ukraine.
The Biden administration officials believe that the long-awaited influx of US weapons will help Ukraine counter Russia's advance in the coming months. However, Kyiv won't likely regain major offensive momentum until 2025 at the earliest due to an acute troop shortage and Moscow's firepower advantage.
The aid package was a victory for President Biden after months of partisan gridlock in Congress. The sprawling legislation includes $61bn to fuel Ukraine's fight against Russia's invading forces. Despite opposition from some Republicans and Democrats, the aid was eventually approved by both houses of Congress.
Historically, Washington has chosen its wars carefully, with past experiences such as the Iran-Contra Affair shaping current debates over foreign assistance. Some critics like Senator J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) oppose sending assistance to Ukraine due to past experiences with justifications for wars like Iraq. However, the majority of political leaders in Washington have decided that the US has a vested interest in the war in Ukraine.