US Provides $300 Million More in Security Assistance to Ukraine, Including Military Equipment

Department of Defense Press Secretary John Kirby talks to reporters during a news briefing at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on March 31, 2022. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The Pentagon announced on April 1 that it will provide up to $300 million more in security assistance to Ukraine in military equipment amid Russia’s invasion.

The funds will be provided under authority granted to the Pentagon by the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), which was created in 2015 in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

“This decision underscores the United States’ unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in support of its heroic efforts to repel Russia’s war of choice,” Pentagon press secretary John Kirby announced.

According to the department, capabilities in the latest package include laser-guided rocket systems, tactical secure communications systems, unmanned aircraft, armored vehicles, machine guns, ammunition, medical supplies, and other equipment.

Kirby said the new package “represents the beginning of a contracting process to provide new capabilities” to Ukraine, rather than delivering equipment drawn from U.S. military stockpiles.

In addition to military aid, the United States has been providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine and issued sanctions on Russian financial institutions and Russian officials, and other individuals linked to the Kremlin.

The United States and other western nations have not declared a no-fly zone to protect Ukraine’s airspace—in spite of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s repeated appeals—to steer clear of any potential conflict with Russia, a nuclear threat.

However, the NATO allies have said they would engage if Russia mounts an attack on any NATO member.