Ukraine to Receive $1.2B in US Financial Aid for Defense Systems

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the press secretary of the Department of Defense, said during a news conference that Ukraine will receive $1.2 billion to boost anti-air and artillery capabilities. He explained that the grant is intended to meet immediate defensive needs and enhance the Ukrainian military’s ability to repel Russia “over the long term.”

The specific purpose of the funds is to buy 155-millimeter artillery rounds and air defense systems and finance efforts to sustain existing equipment. Ryder added that the money would be used to integrate Western weaponry and procure anti-drone munitions, commercial satellite imagery services and various training and maintenance initiatives.

As part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, the U.S. president can exercise authority that allows him to send over military equipment stocks before contracts are ready. According to Ryder, the current round of financial support marks “the beginning of a contracting process to provide additional, priority capabilities to Ukraine,” the DOD said.