Washington works on substantial military aid package for Ukraine, expected by end of September
фото: Офіс Президента
Washington is preparing a substantial military aid package for Ukraine, expected to be announced by the end of September.
This was revealed by Jacob Sullivan, the US President's national security advisor, during a speech at the 20th annual YES meeting in Kyiv, according to Interfax.
Sullivan emphasized that he meets daily with his team to determine what resources and strategies are needed to stabilize the front and ensure Russia cannot achieve any breakthrough that would provide strategic advantages.
"I'm proud of what we've done, but as President Zelensky said, considering what Ukraine is facing, we need to do more and do it better," Sullivan stated.
He also recalled that in April this year, there were significant concerns that the front line could collapse. However, in the following months, Ukrainian defenses strengthened at key positions, and Ukraine made bold, decisive moves in the war as it advanced.
Sullivan pointed out that the issue is not political will, but rather overcoming complex logistical and operational challenges to ensure the timely delivery of essential weapons to the front.
"We are doing everything possible to provide Ukraine with the necessary weapons. For example, 155 mm shells are taken straight from the production line and immediately sent to the front," he noted.
Sullivan also mentioned the decision to redirect all missiles for Patriot systems, initially allocated to other partners, to Ukraine.
"We decided to send all those missiles to Ukraine," he added.
Additionally, the Biden administration has requested that Congress extend the President's Drawdown Authority (PDA), which would allow military aid to continue after the fiscal year ends in September.
"We have $5.9 billion left under the PDA, with all but $100 million expiring at the end of the fiscal year," said Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder.
According to The Hill, if Congress approves Biden's request for $5.8 billion, the White House will be able to continue sending military aid to Ukraine in smaller installments several times a month.
YES-2024 Conference
The YES-2024 conference, held in Kyiv on September 13-14, serves as a significant international platform for discussing European security issues. It symbolizes the international community's support for Ukraine, particularly following Russia's occupation of Crimea in 2014.
This is the 20th forum since its inception on July 1, 2004. The Yalta European Strategy (YES) held its first meeting at Livadia Palace in Yalta, Crimea, before moving to Kyiv in 2013 due to the Russian occupation of the peninsula. The forum brings together Ukrainian politicians, experts, civil society, and business leaders with international policymakers. The conference was founded by billionaire Viktor Pinchuk.
