The United States is providing about $300 million in new military aid for Ukraine in a package that is expected to include more artillery rounds and rockets for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) ahead of an expected Ukrainian offensive, according to defense officials.
The Pentagon officials, who spoke to VOA on condition of anonymity ahead of the package's release later Wednesday, said the latest aid also includes Hydra 70 air-launched unguided rockets to provide air support and anti-armor capabilities needed to push back Russian ground forces that have dug into occupied areas of Ukraine.
Heavy trucks and spare parts also will be included.
Wednesday's aid package marks the 37th authorized presidential drawdown of military equipment from U.S. Defense Department inventories since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022.
Moscow began a renewed offensive in Ukraine this year that has stalled, and Kyiv is preparing for a massive counteroffensive that is expected to begin in the coming days or weeks.
