US Department of Defense clarifies remaining Ukraine aid funds
155-мм снаряди на заводі боєприпасів у Скрентоні, штат Пенсільванія, СШA, 16 лютого 2023 р. Фото: REUTERS
The United States Department of Defense has clarified the remaining amount for military aid to Ukraine: $9.3 billion.
Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder announced this at a briefing on November 12.
Currently, the remaining military aid for Ukraine includes:
- $7.1 billion allocated through the Presidential Drawdown (PDA) program, which allows the transfer of weapons from US Department of Defense stockpiles. Congress approved $4.3 billion in April, and an additional $2.8 billion became available after recalculations.
- Approximately $2.2 billion available under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).
The Pentagon emphasized that the Department of Defense will continue to act swiftly, using available resources to support Ukraine in its war with Russia.
"As stated before, we will keep expediting assistance using these resources to equip Ukraine with the necessary means to counter Russian aggression. New aid packages have been announced, and we remain committed to providing timely support amid the urgency on the battlefield," Ryder summarized.
The Pentagon also reported that it has delivered to Ukraine:
- 83% of promised 155-mm artillery ammunition, GMLRS rounds, PATRIOT and AMRAAM air defense missiles;
- 67% of Stinger and HAWK missiles;
- 60% of Small Diameter Bombs (SDB) and 105mm ordnance.
John Kirby, the strategic communications coordinator for the US National Security Council, highlighted that President Joe Biden has pledged to use all remaining funds to support Ukraine throughout his term.
"The president has committed to spending every dollar available to support Ukraine as long as he is in office," Kirby stated.
Kirby also noted that a balance is needed so the Pentagon has time to replenish supplies sent to Ukraine.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting Brussels on November 12 for talks with European allies to discuss support for Ukraine. President Biden's administration has expressed its intent to "leave Ukraine in as strong a position as possible" before a potential Trump administration takes office.
According to Vedant Patel, spokesperson for the US State Department, "the Secretary of State is attending NATO and European Union meetings in Europe."
"Following President Biden's directive, we will continue increasing military aid to Ukraine," the State Department spokesperson said.
Additionally, the US is sending over 500 interceptor missiles to Ukraine for the Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems.
Background on the latest military aid for Ukraine
The White House aims to expedite the remaining deliveries of defense aid amid concerns that a future Trump administration may halt previously approved support.
Another challenge is the Pentagon's limited supply of ready-made weapons. While funds have been allocated to reimburse the Defense Department, the speed of production for items like artillery shells remains crucial.
It should be noted that $6 billion remains of the $61 billion approved for Ukraine in April. These funds are divided between $4.3 billion to replenish U.S. Army reserves and $2.1 billion for contracts with American defense companies to supply weapons.
