Washington announces new 'gift package', Kiev still wants more; Russia notes US 'insistence'

On May 31, while Ukraine received news of a new US military aid package worth 300 million USD, Russia was unhappy with the moves that Moscow accused of escalating the conflict.

Viện trợ Ukraine: Washington thông báo 'gói quà' mới, Kiev vẫn muốn thêm, Nga ghi nhận 'sự khăng khăng' của Mỹ

Ukraine will receive additional air defense systems and ammunition from the US worth $300 billion. (Source: Reuters)

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the US will provide Ukraine with a new military aid package worth $300 million, including Stinger man-portable air defense missiles (MANPADS), Avenger air defense systems, ammunition for Patriot systems and HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS).

This is the 39th support package under the special powers of the US President, under which the President can allow the transfer of goods and services without congressional approval in an emergency.

Mr. Kirby added that US partners in the Group of Seven (G7) help Washington provide support to Ukraine, so military aid to Kiev will continue.

With the latest aid package, the total value of US security assistance to Ukraine has reached $37.6 billion since Russia launched its special military operation in February 2022.

On the same day, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (VSU) Valeriy Zaluzhny discussed with Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley the VSU's counterattack plan.

“We have drawn attention to the issue of supplies of weapons, military equipment and ammunition. Among the priority needs are long-range artillery shells,” Zaluzhny said on his Telegram channel.

The Ukrainian military general also requested to strengthen Ukraine's air defense with additional air defense systems and possibly provide F-16 fighter jets.

Meanwhile, reacting to the latest US aid package, Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov said: "We have noted the US administration's 'insistentness' in escalating the crisis in Ukraine."

According to the diplomat , US officials "once again proudly talk about providing financial and a range of other material assistance to Kiev, while provoking European countries to strangle Russia's technological development by imposing additional trade barriers."

On the Russian Embassy's Telegram channel, Mr. Antonov wrote: "Immediately after a series of attacks by US-sponsored people on Moscow and its surroundings, instead of calling on the government of Ukrainian President Vlodymyr Zelensky to take responsibility, Washington is showing indifference."

Mr. Antonov made the above criticism even though the White House publicly stated that it did not support the VSU attacks on Russia, while Kiev denied direct involvement in the incident that took place on the morning of May 30.

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