Pentagon chief Austin announces $1 billion in long-term Ukraine aid

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. — The U.S. is sending Ukraine one other $1 billion in long-term safety support, practically half of the funds left within the Pentagon’s account.

This $988 million package deal will come from the Ukraine Safety Help Initiative, by way of which the U.S. buys new gear for Ukraine reasonably than delivery equipment immediately from American shares. As of final week, the U.S. had simply over $2 billion left within the fund.

The most recent spherical will go towards rocket munitions, drones and gear wanted to restore weapons inside Ukraine.

“America and our pals have turn out to be the arsenal of Ukrainian democracy,” stated U.S. Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Austin introduced the package deal on the Reagan Nationwide Protection Discussion board, a nationwide safety talkfest in California he’s attended all 4 years in workplace. Throughout his speech, he defended the Biden Pentagon’s legacy, which has largely been outlined by its help for Ukraine.

After Russia’s 2022 invasion, Austin helped kind a bunch of nations that coordinates help to Kyiv. America has since despatched greater than $62 billion in safety support, alongside $57 billion extra from its companions.

Such help is coming at elevated value for Russia. Austin stated that its navy has suffered 700,000 casualties, a quantity that’s accelerating at the same time as Moscow continues to make slight beneficial properties in Ukraine’s east.

A number of European political and protection officers — from Sweden to Lithuania — are with Austin on the discussion board making the case for continued support to lawmakers and individuals who will workers the incoming Trump administration.

Austin referenced the uncertainty round this transition in his remarks. The president-elect has urged an finish to the warfare in Ukraine, although with out committing to an end result.

“We will proceed to face as much as the Kremlin, or we are able to let Putin have his manner — and condemn our youngsters and grandchildren to dwell in a world of chaos and battle,” Austin stated.

“This administration has made its selection, and so has a bipartisan coalition in Congress,” he added. “The following administration should make its personal selection.”