It will take time to complete the training course needed to operate the system, but patriot missiles will be an important asset for Ukraines defense system, CNN quoted President Joe Biden as saying at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on December 21.
Mr. Biden emphasized that the US is committed to ensuring Ukraine can "defend the country against Russia for as long as possible".
President Biden thanked lawmakers for bipartisan support for Ukraine so far - including the latest package. Mr. Biden also said that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) will send more than 374 million USD in humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
"This money provides food and cash to more than 1.5 million Ukrainians, as well as more than 2.5 million Ukrainians to access health care, safe drinking water and keep warm in harsh winter weather," Mr. Biden said.
For his part, President Zelensky stressed the importance of air defense support. Mr. Zelensky said that the main issue that the two leaders discussed at the bilateral meeting on December 21 was ways to strengthen Ukraine and its air defense.
" Next year, we will continue to fight for freedom and independence. I have good news when I return home. President Biden has announced a new defense assistance package, worth about $2 billion, and the strongest component of the package is the patriot missile system - a weapon that will significantly enhance our air defense capabilities," Zelensky said at a press conference.
The Ukrainian leader said that ensuring Ukrainian airspace is very important to protect the country's infrastructure and energy sector.
President Zelensky also expressed hope that the US Congress will approve a $45 billion aid package. "I hope and once again thank the president for the 45 billion USD. This is a great support and I hope the National Assembly will approve this financial support for our country," Zelensky said.
Details of the $1.8 billion arms deal
There are two main weapons in the deal: patriot missile systems and precision guided shells.
The patriot missile system is a sophisticated, precise and expensive weapon, described as the golden standard for US air defense. NATO protects patriot cautiously, requiring operators - nearly 100 people for each system - to be well-trained.
The second type is precision guided ammunition. Ukraine has been provided with more and more precision- warheaded artillery and missiles according to Western standards, such as HIMARS anti-aircraft artillery and high-range mobile rocket artillery.
The new agreement includes JDAM precision guidance ammunition, which Ukraine could use to attach to missiles or bombs. The majority of the $1.8 billion package is spent on ammunition replacement and reserves.
What difference will an arms deal make to war?
Only these two weapons in the $1.8 billion package could affect the course of the war. The biggest threat from Russia today is the continuous attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which are making winter colder and unbearable for some, sinking cities in darkness for up to 12 hours a day and sometimes longer.
The patriot air defense system can intercept a large number of missiles and drones attacking Russia. patriot is also a sign that NATO's best technology can help Ukraine win the war, or at least hold back Russia.
More precise weapons are very important, they ensure Ukraine attacks its targets, not any nearby civilians.
The rate of ammunition consumption on both sides will become a vital issue as the war enters its second year.
How did Russia react?
On December 21, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the latest arms assistance package "led to a more serious conflict and did not bring peace to Ukraine".
How many more aid packages are there?
There is a huge $45 billion aid package underway, and while not all of it is military aid, it is part of the Biden administration's consistent support. The message is simple: Ukraine is receiving the most aid the US can provide, and that aid will not stop.
