US and Ukraine forge agreement to enhance military aid monitoring, ensuring increased transparency

Ukraine and the United States have agreed to strengthen the monitoring of the final use of American weapons. 

According to Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, this agreement will enhance transparency in the use of foreign weapons, specifically, certain types of missiles, launchers, UAVs, and night vision devices that Ukraine received from the United States, Rubryka reports.

"All countries providing us with weapons will be confident that this weaponry will not end up in the wrong hands, that it is solely controlled by the government, and that it is used in a lawful manner. Ukraine, in turn, is doing its utmost. It's time to enhance the reputation of our state by turning it into an initiator and an example of transparency and accountability," said Deputy Minister of Defense Yurii Dzyhyr.

The Ministry of Defense stressed that from now on, the oversight of the availability, accounting, and compliance with proper storage conditions will be carried out by the Ministry of Defense in collaboration with foreign partners.

Background

On October 1, the US Congress passed a temporary budget bill, which did not include new funding for assistance to Ukraine. President Joe Biden subsequently requested additional funding of over $100 billion from Congress in October. Of this amount, $61.4 billion is earmarked for Ukraine, and $14.3 billion for Israel. The proposed allocation of funds includes additional weaponry and equipment for Ukraine, as well as replenishing the reserves of the US Department of Defense spent on supporting Ukrainians.

The newly elected Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, stated that House Republicans want to consider military assistance for Ukraine and Israel separately.

Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the US has provided a new military aid package to Ukraine. However, Chair of the US House Intelligence Committee, Mike Turner, mentioned that it would be challenging for the United States to take new measures regarding assistance to Ukraine and Israel by the end of 2023.