The United States is announcing a major new package of security assistance to help Ukraine continue to defend itself against Russia’s brutal war. Pursuant to a delegation of authority from the President, I am authorizing our 30th withdrawal of US weapons and equipment to Ukraine beginning in August 2021. This aid package will provide Ukraine with hundreds of additional armored vehicles, including armored personnel carriers of Stryker personnel, Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles and high-mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicles. The package also includes additional critical air defense support for Ukraine, including more Avenger air defense systems and surface-to-air missiles, as well as additional munitions for NASAMS that the United States has previously provided. The package also contains night vision equipment, small arms ammunition and other items to support Ukraine as it courageously defends its people, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This package, which amounts to $2.5 billion, will bring total U.S. military aid to Ukraine to an unprecedented $27.5 billion since the beginning of the administration.
The United States also continues to rally the world to support Ukraine. We have seen tremendous solidarity from our allies and partners, including today’s Ukraine Defense Contact Group, and we applaud the more than 50 countries that have come together to make significant contributions to support Ukraine.
I am grateful to Congress for continuing to grant this increased withdrawal authority, most recently under the Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023, which was signed into law by the President in December 2022.
Only Russia can end this war today. Until he does, we will stay united with Ukraine for as long as it takes.
