US President Joe Biden announced a new military package for Ukraine, which includes anti-aircraft equipment, artillery, missile systems, and armored vehicles. The move is not only an investment in Ukraine’s security but also in Europe’s security, Biden emphasized. He warned that Russia could potentially target a NATO partner next.
The $61 billion aid package approved by the US Congress includes increased funding for weapons and ammunition for the US military’s inventory. This indirectly benefits Ukraine as the US usually provides equipment from its own stocks to countries under attack, including Ukraine. The rest of the aid package includes further military support, financial assistance, and provisions for long-range ATACMS missile systems.
Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky discussed the delivery of new long-range ATACMS missiles, although details about the specific models were not provided. Meanwhile, TikTok owner Bytedance faced new legislation in the US. The law threatens a potential ban on the popular video platform if Bytedance does not separate from it within a year due to concerns about Chinese influence and access to American user data. TikTok has denied these allegations and plans to challenge the law in court.
The ongoing controversy surrounding TikTok’s ownership and potential security risks highlights tensions between the US and China in the tech industry. As such, this law is seen as part of a broader effort by Washington to push back against Beijing’s efforts to expand its influence globally through technology companies like Huawei and Zoom.