The United States will transfer five Russian-made Mil Mi-17 transport helicopters, originally belonging to the Afghan military, to Ukraine.  

The helicopters will be transferred along with other defensive weapons, including anti-aircraft systems shipped from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.  

The information was revealed in a new report by CNN, with the news network referring to several US State department and presidential administration officials close to the matter. 

The report also revealed that the helicopters are already undergoing maintenance in Ukraine. However, certain procedures will have to be completed before their final transfer to Ukrainian military. 

Meanwhile, US-origin anti-aircraft weapons will soon be transferred from the Baltic states after receiving approval from US congress, as required per export regulations. 

According to Politico, alongside anti-aircraft weapons, $200 million worth of anti-armor and other munitions will also be transferred. 

As tensions on the Ukrainian border mount, several countries have expressed their intention to provide military aid to Ukraine, with the United Kingdom initiating an air bridge to transfer hundreds of anti-tank missiles on January 17. 

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