The US is sending the Stinger Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS) used by the American military to Ukraine.
The US is sending the Stinger Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS) used by the American military to Ukraine.Sgt. Aaron Daugherty/US Army
  • President Joe Biden for the first time is sending Ukraine Stinger anti-aircraft missiles.
  • The missiles could be used to shoot down Russian helicopters.
  • It's part of a $350 million military aid package for Ukraine approved by the US on Friday.

President Joe Biden for the first time is sending Ukraine Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, which could be used to shoot down Russian helicopters.

The direct delivery of Stinger missiles is part of a military aid package approved last week by the US, Army Times reported on Monday.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Friday that he authorized the Defense Department to send Ukraine $350 million in military aid "to help defend itself from Russia's unprovoked and unjustified war."

On Saturday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said his country planned to send 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger missiles to Ukraine. 

This story is developing. Please check back for updates.

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