Tactical Bridges and Ammunition Included in Military Aid Package
The tactical bridges will allow armored vehicles to cross narrow rivers and ditches, which would otherwise slow down the entire force. The additional ammunition is being sent to boost stocks in anticipation of a spring offensive. The military aid package includes ammunition for HIMARS and howitzers, which Ukraine effectively uses to defend itself, ammunition for Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, and other maintenance, training, and support.
U.S. Preparing Ukraine to Retake Territory
Assault bridging is essential for combined arms operations and is only critical for offensive operations. This shows that the U.S. is preparing Ukraine to continue retaking its territory. In January, Germany agreed to send Leopard tanks to Ukraine and said it would work with allies to send more. NATO allies have also pledged a range of armored fighting vehicles.
Russia Reacts to Military Aid Package
Russia's ambassador to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, said that the U.S. wanted to inflict a strategic defeat on Moscow but could not succeed. TASS news agency quoted Antonov as saying that all foreign weapons that fall into Ukrainian hands on the battlefield will be ground up and destroyed.
Funding for Military Aid Package
The military aid package will be funded using the Presidential Drawdown Authority, which authorizes the president to transfer articles and services from U.S. stocks without congressional approval during an emergency. So far, the United States has provided nearly $32 billion in aid to Ukraine to defend itself against Russia.
