WASHINGTON —President Biden and President Zelenskyy met Sunday at the G7 meeting in Hiroshima, Japan to reaffirm that that the United States will continue to stand with our Ukrainian partners as they defend themselves from Russia’s war of aggression.
Pursuant to a delegation of authority from President Biden, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken authorized the 38th drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for Ukraine.
The $375 million security assistance package includes additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, artillery ammunition, anti-tank weapons, armored medical treatment vehicles, trucks and trailers to transport heavy equipment, spare parts and other field equipment essential to strengthening Ukraine’s defenders on the battlefield.
In addition, President Biden told leaders in Japan over the weekend that the U.S. will participate in the F-16 training for Ukrainian pilots, and that decisions on providing the jets will come later.
Officials said it's still not clear if the U.S. will simply allow other nations to send F-16s to Ukraine, or if the U.S. will also send some. And there are no estimates on how many of the jets will be provided or when. Officials acknowledge that it will not be in time for the anticipated spring offensive.
The Pentagon also announce Friday it overestimated the value of the weapons it has sent to Ukraine by at least $3 billion — an accounting error that could be a boon for the war effort because it will allow the Defense Department to send more weapons now without asking Congress for more money.