In his fourth visit to Ukraine since Russia’s full and unprovoked invasion in February 2022, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a new U.S. assistance package totaling more than 1 billion dollars.
“The United States is committed to empowering Ukraine to write its own future. In the crucible of President Putin’s brutal and ongoing war, the United States and Ukraine have forged a partnership that is stronger than ever and growing every day,” he said.
The assistance package includes $175 million that will provide significant support for Ukraine’s air defenses; $100 million in Foreign Military Financing to support longer-term military requirements; and $90.5 million in humanitarian demining assistance.
“Ukraine is now the world’s most heavily mined country,” he said. “Russia’s weapons of war have killed hundreds of civilians and threatened to put millions at risk for years, even decades to come.”
The United States will also provide Ukraine with $300 million for law enforcement efforts in liberated areas; and $203 million for support to institutions bolstering key reform efforts aimed at anti-corruption, the rule of law, and accountability.
In addition, the United States is transferring $5.4 million in forfeited oligarch assets to support Ukrainian military veterans. “Those who have enabled Putin’s war of aggression should pay for it,” said Secretary Blinken.
Even as the United States maximizes its support for Ukraine to counter the current Russian aggression, it is also committed to helping Ukraine build a force for the future that can deter and defend against aggression.
Twenty-eight other countries are making similar commitments through the G7 declaration of support for Ukraine, said Secretary Blinken:
“They recognize … that Ukraine’s security is integral to the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic community and indeed, it’s integral to security around the world because of the principles that are being challenged here, as well as Ukrainian lives and livelihoods. Together, these 29 countries that are committed to supporting Ukraine over the long term will coordinate and share the burden of that long-term support.”
To the Ukrainian people Secretary Blinken said, “Just as we have stood with you to ensure your nation’s survival over these past 20 months, so we will stand with you as you determine your future and rebuild a free, a resilient, a thriving Ukraine.”
