The United States has signed off on another $270 million in military aid to Ukraine, including four more high-mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS), bringing the number sent to 20.
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby announced the aid on July 22, saying Russia has "launched deadly strikes across the country, striking malls, apartment buildings, killing innocent Ukrainian civilians."
He said in the face of these “atrocities,” U.S. President Joe Biden “has made clear that we're going to continue to support the government of Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes."
Ukraine has said the HIMARS sent thus far have made a major difference for Ukrainian troops in countering Russian forces.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov earlier this week voiced hope that the United States would provide as many as 100 HIMARS, saying they could turn the tide against Russia.
The systems can precisely strike targets from as far away as 80 kilometers.
Kirby said the fresh aid will also include 500 portable drones that detonate on their targets and 36,000 rounds of artillery ammunition.
Much of the aid comes from a $40 billion package for Ukraine approved by Congress in May.
Kirby also said the U.S. government is considering supplying Ukraine with fighter jets. These are "preliminary explorations" into the feasibility of providing such weapons, he said, adding that it would not be something the United States could execute immediately or even in the short term.
