- Full Allocation of Remaining Security Assistance Funds
- $5.5 Billion in Presidential Drawdown Authority
- $2.4 Billion in Additional Security Assistance
- Additional Patriot Air Battery
Thu Sep 26 17:17:49 -2024 UTC– Washington, D.C. – President Joe Biden welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House today, reaffirming the United States’ steadfast support for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russian aggression.
The visit marks a significant moment in the nearly three-year-long conflict, with Biden announcing a major boost in military assistance to help Ukraine prevail.
“Ukraine has shown incredible resilience and courage, winning the battle of Kyiv, reclaiming over half the territory that Russia seized at the start of the war, and safeguarding its sovereignty and independence,” said President Biden. “But there is more work to do. That is why today, I am announcing a surge in security assistance for Ukraine and a series of additional actions to help Ukraine win this war.”
1. Allocating Remaining Security Assistance Funding
President Biden has directed the Department of Defense to allocate all remaining security assistance funds appropriated for Ukraine before the end of his term. This includes utilizing the remaining Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds by the end of this year. Additionally, he has authorized $5.5 billion in Presidential Drawdown Authority to ensure the full use of funding appropriated by Congress, enabling the U.S. to support the drawdown of American equipment for Ukraine and then replenish U.S. stockpiles.
2. Additional $2.4 Billion in Security Assistance
The Department of Defense is announcing $2.4 billion in new security assistance through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. This package will provide Ukraine with additional air defense systems, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and air-to-ground munitions. The aid will also strengthen Ukraine’s defense industrial base and support its maintenance and sustainment needs.
3. Enhancing Long-Range Strike Capabilities
To bolster Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities, President Biden has decided to provide Ukraine with the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) long-range munition. This will significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to target and disrupt Russian military operations at greater distances.
4. Strengthening Air Defenses
In a further move to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses, the U.S. will refurbish and provide Ukraine with an additional Patriot air defense battery. This comes on top of an earlier decision to divert U.S. air defense exports, providing Ukraine with hundreds of additional Patriot and AMRAAM missiles over the next year to help protect its cities and civilian population from aerial attacks.
5. Expanding Training for Ukrainian Pilots
To build the capacity of Ukraine’s air force, President Biden has directed the Department of Defense to expand training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots, supporting the training of an additional 18 pilots next year. This initiative aims to improve the effectiveness of Ukraine’s air operations in the ongoing conflict.
6. Countering Russian Sanctions Evasion
To disrupt Russian efforts to evade sanctions and finance its war efforts, the U.S. Department of Justice, Department of the Treasury, and the U.S. Secret Service have coordinated with international partners to take action against a global cryptocurrency network. This crackdown is part of a broader effort to raise the economic costs on Russia and deprive its defense industrial base of critical resources.
7. Convening a Ukraine Defense Contact Group Meeting
President Biden announced he will convene a leader-level meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Germany next month. This meeting will bring together representatives from over 50 countries supporting Ukraine to coordinate efforts in providing military and humanitarian assistance against Russian aggression.
Through these comprehensive measures, the United States reaffirms its commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight for freedom and sovereignty. “The message is clear: the United States will provide Ukraine with the support it needs to win this war,” President Biden concluded.