Ukraine is a sovereign, democratic and peace-loving nation. The United States and Ukraine have been partners since Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union more than 30 years ago. After Russia invaded and partially occupied Ukraine in 2014, the United States intensified its efforts to help Ukraine deter further Russian aggression and, if necessary, defend against further attacks. Last fall, as the current threat to Ukraine from Russia grew, under delegated authority from the President, I authorized the Department of Defense to provide $60 million in immediate military aid to Ukraine. In December, when this threat materialized, I authorized a new levy worth $200 million. Today, as Ukraine struggles with courage and pride against Russia’s brutal and unprovoked assault, I authorized, pursuant to a delegation from the President, an unprecedented third presidential levy of up to $350 million. for immediate support to the defense of Ukraine. This brings total U.S. security assistance to Ukraine to over $1 billion over the past year.
This package will include additional lethal defensive assistance to help Ukraine deal with the armour, airborne and other threats it currently faces. This is another clear signal that the United States stands with the people of Ukraine as they defend their sovereign, courageous, and proud nation.
