In the photo: American soldiers enplane missiles for Javelin anti-tank systems to be delivered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The American Embassy to Ukraine posted in Facebook: “The United States is decisively on the side of Ukraine supporting its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russian aggression”.

The U.S. State Department approved the sales of Javelin missiles to the sum of 39 million dollars in October 2019. The contract provides for supplies of 150 missiles and ammunition. It is in fact the second batch of American military aid delivered to the Ukrainian army.

Last week, the American government cleared a deal for sales of 16 Mark VI patrol boats as well as other associated equipment. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) published an official statement to this effect, “The U.S. State Department has cleared a potential sale to Ukraine of 16 Mark VI patrol boats and other gear worth $600 million”.

The DSCA has provided the necessary documents and notified Congress about the potential sales. Once cleared by Congress, the sales enter negotiations, during which quantities and costs can shift.

Apart from 16 patrol boats, Ukraine will also purchase 32 MSI Seahawk A2 gun systems; 20 electro-optic/infrared radars, or FLIR systems; 16 Long Range Acoustic Device 5-kilometer range loudspeaker systems; 16 identification, friend or foe systems; 40 MK44 30mm cannons; and unspecified communications and support equipment.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” the DSCA announcement reads.

According to a State Department official, the sale will improve the capability of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to counteract the current and future threats, as “Ukraine’s military has an urgent need to strengthen its capabilities to patrol and police their territorial waters, and protect other maritime interests”.

It’s worth to remind that last year the U.S. State Department announced the sales of 150 Javelin anti-tank missile systems to Ukraine. And last week, the U.S. Congress approved the military aid package worth 250 million dollars to Ukraine. These funds are expected to cover the training of Ukrainian servicemen and purchases of American military hardware.

The newspaper Holos Ukrainy