The new aid package is provided in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and in support of the efforts of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ to defend their sovereign territory.
This is stated in the press release of the US Department of Defense.
The United States and the Netherlands are partnering with the Czech Republic to provide 90 overhauled T-72B main battle tanks to Ukraine.
These tanks will come from the inventory of the Czech defence industry.
“The United States, Netherlands, and Czech Republic remain deeply committed to ensuring Ukraine has the equipment it needs to counter Russian aggression over the long haul,” the Pentagon said in a statement.
The US will finance the restoration of 45 units and the Dutch government will finance the restoration of another 45 tanks for a total value of approximately $90 million.
Some of the tanks will be available for Ukraine before the end of December 2022, with additional deliveries to be completed in 2023.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba announced that Ukraine would receive the first 26 overhauled and upgraded tanks in December this year.
“I am grateful for the joint decision of the Netherlands, the USA and the Czech Republic to purchase and transfer 90 T-72 tanks for the needs of the Armed Forces of UKraine,” Dmytro Kuleba said.
As previously reported, the Czech Republic has transferred heavy equipment to Ukraine, in particular, DANA self-propelled howitzers, RM-70 multiple rocket launchers, T-72 tanks, and BMPs.
The Czech Republic started supplying Ukraine with defense weapons before the full-scale invasion.
