U.S. Funds 800 Mobile Fire Teams for Ukraine

The U.S. Department of State has funded 800 mobile air defense teams in Ukraine, which have successfully shot down over 200 Russian drones since January 2024. U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, emphasized the critical role these teams play in protecting civilians and infrastructure amid increasing Russian drone attacks. The mobile fire teams consist of personnel from the National Guard and State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, utilizing vehicles equipped with heavy weaponry for effective drone interception. The initiative is part of a broader U.S. commitment to enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities, with President Biden recently announcing an additional $425 million military aid package. As Russia intensifies its use of inexpensive kamikaze drones, these mobile units have become essential for Ukraine's defense strategy. The ongoing support aims to bolster local defenses against the evolving threat of aerial assaults.