**US Allows Ukraine to Use Long-range Missiles**
The US government has given permission to Ukraine to fire long-range ATACMS missiles into Russian territory. This is a significant change in policy, as previously, Ukraine had not been allowed to use these missiles against Russia.
**Western Aid Reaches $100bn**
Western nations have donated over $100 billion in military aid to Ukraine since the start of the conflict. The US has provided the most aid, with $61.1 billion given between February 2022 and August 2024.
**Other Countries’ Contributions**
Germany has given $11.4 billion, the UK $10.1 billion, Denmark $7 billion, and the Netherlands $5.5 billion. These countries are expected to cut their contributions in 2025.
**Types of Weapons Given to Ukraine**
Western nations have provided a range of weapons to Ukraine, including:
* Missiles and artillery: The US has given ATACMS missiles, which can hit targets up to 190 miles away. The UK and France have supplied Storm Shadow or Scalp missiles.
* Fighter jets: Ukraine’s air force has received the first batch of F-16 fighter jets from the West. Nato countries have pledged to give Ukraine more than 60 of these planes.
* Air defense systems: Western nations have sent various types of air defense systems, including the UK’s Starstreak and the US Patriot missile system.
* Tanks: The UK has provided 14 Challenger 2s, while European nations have sent over 200 German-made Leopard tanks. The US has given 31 M1 Abrams tanks.
**Other Types of Aid**
Western nations have also given Ukraine:
* Over 80 multiple-launch rocket systems
* More than 500 field guns, including the M777 howitzer from the US
* Drones: Turkey and the US have supplied missile-firing drones, while several countries have sent commercial surveillance drones.
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