Here's What's Included In US' New $1.8 Billion Ukraine Military Aid Package

The Biden administration has unveiled $1.8 billion worth of security assistance to Ukraine as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the country for the first time since the Russian invasion began.

For the first time, the latest military aid from the U.S. would include the highly-coveted Patriot air defense battery and precision-guided munitions that would enhance Ukraine's capability to defend itself from Russian airstrikes.

In a tweet, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov shared the list of other components in the new U.S. security assistance.

The military package includes additional ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), which proved to be effective in repelling Russian forces.

The U.S. would provide Ukraine with precision-guided artillery rounds, anti-radiation missiles, precision aerial munitions and Claymore anti-personnel munitions.

Ukraine would also receive additional military hardware such as Cougar Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles, High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs) and additional armored utility trucks.

The latest round of U.S. security assistance would also continue to provide Ukraine with additional mortar systems, artillery munitions, grenade launchers and equipment for communication systems.

Last week, Kremlin warned that providing Ukraine with Patriot missile systems would be a legitimate target for Russian airstrikes.

The Russian embassy in Washington accused the U.S. of prolonging the war in Ukraine, describing the move as a "provocative step" that could lead to "unpredictable consequences."

Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, a spokesperson for the Department of Defense, hit back at Russia, noting that it was "ironic" for them to call the aid package a provocative move.

Ryder added Russia could de-escalate the situation by withdrawing its troops from Ukraine, The Hill reported.

President Joe Biden said the latest military aid for Ukraine was not tantamount to an escalation of the war.

"It's not escalatory, it's defensive," Biden said, as per Politico.

But Biden rejected the idea of supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles that could reach Russia since it could potentially break up NATO and the European Union.

The military aid package to Ukraine could be soon followed by another U.S. assistance, as Congress is expected to approve a spending package that includes about $45 billion in emergency aid.