US announces $125 mn military aid for Ukraine: How can it help Kyiv fend off Russia?

The United States has announced a new $125 million military aid package for Ukraine. This latest assistance arrives as Ukrainian forces execute a surprise offensive inside Russian territory.

The package, revealed on Friday (August 9), was purported to show the US’ steadfast support for Ukraine. “Our unwavering commitment to [Ukraine] as they continue to battle back against Russian aggression,” stated National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.

What will Ukraine get?

The aid will not be financial. Instead, it will be drawn from US stockpiles. This includes air defence interceptors, munitions for rocket systems and artillery, multi-mission radars, and anti-tank weapons, all designed to bolster Ukraine’s defensive and offensive capabilities.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasised that this aid would enhance Ukraine’s ability to protect its troops, civilians, and cities from Russian attacks while also reinforcing its capabilities across the front lines.

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The US Department of State, on August 9, said “To date, we have provided more than $55.4 billion in military assistance since Russia launched its premeditated, unprovoked, and brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.”

So, how is the aid going to help Ukraine?

Supporting the surprise offensive

The timing of this aid is crucial, as it coincides with Ukraine’s unexpected offensive into Russia’s western Kursk region, which began earlier this week. Although Ukrainian authorities have not officially confirmed the operation, President Volodymyr Zelensky hinted at its significance, stating that Russia must “feel” the consequences of its invasion.

Reports from the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggest that Ukrainian forces are present up to 35 kilometres from the international border, marking one of the most significant cross-border attacks since the onset of the conflict.

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Despite this, ISW’s analysis indicates that Ukrainian troops do not yet control the entirety of this area, highlighting the ongoing challenges of the operation.

It is possible that the weapons Ukraine receives are used to bolster the offensive inside Russian territories.

Defending Pokrovsk

The aid package is also important as Ukraine grapples with Russian advances in Pokrovsk, a key logistical hub for Kyiv.

Russian forces have made significant gains in this area, with reports indicating that they were approximately 20 kilometres from Pokrovsk by the end of July.

This strategic location is vital for Ukraine’s defence of the broader Donetsk region, where cities like Toretsk and Niu-York have stood as strongholds against Russian forces since 2014.

Ukraine’s surprise attack inside Russian territory could be interpreted as a diversionary tactic aimed at spreading Russian forces thin and preventing the loss of critical areas like Pokrovsk.

This manoeuvre may reflect a broader strategic calculation by Ukraine to force Russia to overextend its resources across multiple fronts, thereby weakening its overall military effectiveness.

Not a game-changer

While the US aid is critical, it is by no means a complete game-changer. Ukraine’s arms inventory is still overshadowed by the sheer scale of Russia’s military arsenal. Despite Ukraine’s determination, Russia continues to outpace Ukraine in terms of weaponry and troops.

The slow, unrelenting advances by Russian forces, coupled with Ukraine’s outnumbered troops, make it increasingly difficult for Kyiv to mount a decisive counteroffensive. What aid packages like the present one do, is help Ukraine buy time and prepare better.

With inputs from agencies