This transfer, reported by the US Central Command, includes over 5,000 AK-47 rifles, machine guns, sniper rifles, RPG-7s, and more than 500,000 7.62 mm cartridges, spanning from captures made between May 22, 2021, and February 15, 2023. The munitions, officially transferred to U.S. ownership on December 1, 2023, are now allocated to support Ukraine's defense efforts.
This action comes at a time when U.S. military aid to Ukraine had previously run dry at the end of 2023. Despite President Joe Biden's request to Congress last October for a substantial aid package of $106 billion, which included more than $61 billion earmarked for Ukraine (primarily for weapon purchases from the U.S.), the package faced hurdles due to political disputes. This package also intended to support other regions and causes, including Israel, the Asia-Pacific area, and humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip.
