US will send Stryker combat vehicles to Ukraine for first time as part of $2.5 billion security package

The Pentagon announced a $2.5 billion Ukraine security package on Thursday, including for the first time Stryker armored vehicles and more Bradley fighting vehicles that could be used against any potential Russian offensive in Ukraine this spring.

The package, publicized a day before an international coalition meets in Germany to discuss more aid to Ukraine, is the second largest ever announced by the United States.

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The US has now committed $26.7 billion to Ukraine in security aid since the beginning of the war nearly a year ago.

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“The United States also continues to rally the world to support Ukraine. We have seen incredible solidarity from our allies and partners, including at today’s Ukraine Defense Contact Group,

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and we applaud the more than 50 countries who have come together to make significant contributions to support Ukraine,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

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“Russia alone could end this war today. Until it does so, we will stand United with Ukraine for as long as it takes,” he added.

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The latest package includes 90 Stryker armored personnel carriers and 59 more Bradley infantry fighting vehicles.

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The previous package included 50 Bradleys – bringing the total given to more than 100.

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Thursday’s announcement marks a significant escalation in the armored vehicles the US has committed to Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

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