U.S. announces new military aid package for Ukraine and EU plans to boost munitions
Washington revealed a fresh military assistance package for Ukraine, valued at about $350 million. The announcement came from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who described the aid as containing ammunition for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, HARM missiles, anti-tank launchers, boats, and other equipment. The shipment also includes extra rounds for HIMARS launchers and the artillery used by Ukrainian forces for self-defense, according to Blinken as quoted to Reuters.
Blinken emphasized that the decision to continue backing Ukraine rests with Russia acting to end the fighting. He underscored that Washington would stay the course for as long as it is needed until Russia takes steps to halt the hostilities.
The Defense Department outlined the broader inventory included in the package. It lists 155 mm artillery rounds, 25 mm ammunition, 81 mm and 60 mm mortar systems and shells, AT-4 anti-tank systems, thermal imaging cameras and laser sights, grenade launchers, small arms and related weapons, plus fuel trucks, mine-clearing gear, and equipment for upkeep of vehicles. This description reflects the variety of capabilities sought to bolster Ukraine’s defensive and sustainment operations.
Earlier, the previous aid package approved in March totaled about $400 million. It included rounds for HIMARS and for howitzers and Bradley fighting vehicles, alongside bridge layers and other equipment to support Ukrainian forces in the field.
From the outset of the conflict, Washington has committed more than $32.2 billion in security assistance to Ukraine. The U.S. stresses that this support helps Ukraine defend its territorial integrity, guard its borders, and strengthen interoperability with NATO forces.
In remarks from February, Pentagon leadership highlighted large-scale deliveries to Ukraine over the past year. These included more than 1,600 Stinger air-defense systems, over 8,500 Javelin anti-tank weapons, 232 howitzers and more than 2 million artillery rounds, 38 HIMARS launches and munitions, 109 Bradley fighting vehicles, Patriot batteries, and 31 M1 Abrams tanks. This summary illustrates the breadth of equipment provided in support of Ukraine’s defense posture.
One million shells: EU and NATO unity on ammunition support
European allies continued their backing of Ukraine, with NATO’s secretary-general noting substantial military and financial backing from Western partners during the conflict year, totaling around $120 billion. On March 20, the European Union’s foreign policy chief reported that member states agreed on a plan to deliver one million artillery shells to Ukraine within a 12-month period.
He described the plan as historic, outlining three main pillars: immediate deliveries backed by €1 billion, a parallel €1 billion for joint purchases, and the creation of a body to scale up production capacity. Some diplomats have cautioned that storing such a large volume of ammunition could pose logistical challenges, given the limited visibility on stock levels within individual countries. The plan emphasizes transparency and rapid action to support frontline units.
European ministers, including Josep Borrell, indicated that the European Defense Agency would oversee a joint procurement effort for 155 mm NATO-standard shells. The scope includes coordination with Norway and other partners to ensure steady supply lines. In March, Norway announced it had completed the transfer of eight Leopard 2 tanks from its stockpile to Ukraine, a milestone complemented by the delivery of support vehicles and ongoing training of Ukrainian crews for armored units. Other European states, including Germany, the United States, Poland, and Finland, have announced multiple tank transfers or training initiatives to support Kyiv’s defense needs.
The broader picture shows a steady flow of weapons and equipment from North American and European suppliers, aimed at helping Ukrainian forces sustain operations and maintain readiness as the conflict continues. Stakeholders underline that this support is essential to deter aggression, uphold regional stability, and reinforce alliance cohesion in the face of evolving security challenges.