US to Allocate Additional $300 Million for Ukraine Security Assistance

The US Department of Defense announced this Friday that it will allocate an additional 300 million dollars to “security assistance” to boost Ukraine’s defensive capabilities against the Russian invasion.

The aid, in addition to the $1.6 billion already pledged by Washington, includes laser-guided rocket systems, drones, ammunition, night vision devices, tactical secure communications systems, medical supplies and spare parts.

“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,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.

US President Joe Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodimir Zelensky discussed “additional capabilities” to help the Ukrainian military on Wednesday, the White House said in a statement after the call.

In mid-March, the US Congress passed a funding bill that included $13.6 billion in humanitarian and military aid for Ukraine and NATO allies in Eastern Europe.

Shortly afterward, Biden announced $1 billion in new security assistance for Ukraine.

Much of the military equipment the United States has given Ukraine has come from its own stockpiles, through a process known as “presidential withdrawal.”

Unlike this process, the 300 million dollars announced this Friday will be allocated to new contracts for military equipment from Pentagon defense industry partners.

Switchblade tactical drones are some of the technological devices included in the announcement. Dubbed “kamikaze drones,” they can be directed by an operator to find and, when ready, launch at a target, exploding on contact.

Kirby added that “the United States also continues to work with its allies and partners to identify and provide additional capabilities to the Ukrainians.”