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The US Department of Defense has announced $150 million in additional security assistance will be provided to Ukraine, under the 49th drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories.
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The new supplies include additional air defence equipment, artillery rounds and anti-tank weapons, among other equipment, to meet Ukraine’s battlefield needs against Russian military forces occupying the region.
The security package reflects the United States’ continued commitment to supporting Ukraine and ensuring its defenders are armed with critical capabilities, according to DOD representatives.
“American leadership is what holds the world together,” US President Joe Biden said during an address from the Oval Office.
“American alliances are what keep us, America, safe. American values are what make us a partner that other nations want to work with.
“To put all that at risk if we walk away from Ukraine, if we turn our backs on Israel, it’s just not worth it.”
US President Biden pledged the US will not waiver in support of its allies and outlined the need for US leadership against Russia’s ongoing war of aggression in Ukraine and following the deadly attack against Israel by Hamas terrorists.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the US has rallied a coalition of nations in support of Ukraine and committed more than $43.9 billion in assistance to help the country defend itself.
Biden has formally asked Congress to approve a supplemental funding request that ensures the US will continue to support its allies. That request, submitted last week, includes funds for additional weapons and equipment to help Ukraine succeed on the battlefield and shore up its economy and critical infrastructure as it defends against Russian aggression.
The request also includes funds to strengthen Israel’s air defences and replenish DOD’s weaponry inventory, which the department has drawn from to help arm Israel quickly since the attacks.
Additionally, the president is requesting funds to provide humanitarian assistance for those impacted by both wars.
The request also includes funds to strengthen US security in the Indo-Pacific and along the US southern border.
“It’s a smart investment that’s going to pay dividends for American security for generations, help us keep American troops out of harm’s way, help us build a world that is safer, more peaceful, and more prosperous for our children and grandchildren,” US President Biden said.
Earlier this week, the Australian federal government announced counter-drone systems, de-mining equipment, portable X-ray machines, and a 3D metal printer produced by the Australian defence industry will be provided to Ukraine as part of a $20 million military assistance package.
The Australian federal government has also recently announced an additional $15 million in humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by the conflict in Gaza, the West Bank, and across the region.
That funding will be delivered through trusted partners to help address immediate and emerging needs including food, water, medicine and other essential services. That funding will be allocated towards Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement ($6 million), UNICEF for the provision of emergency water, sanitation and hygiene services ($2 million), UN agencies to preposition supplies ($2 million), and $2 million for UNFPA to provide urgent women’s health services.
The funding is in addition to the $10 million already committed by the Australian government and brings our total package of assistance to $25 million since 7 October.
“Australia has consistently called for safe, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access, and safe passage for civilians from Gaza,” according to Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Penny Wong.
“There has been access in recent days but nowhere near enough. Humanitarian pauses are essential to ensure this assistance and that of our partners flows into Gaza.
“The way Israel exercises its right to defend itself matters. It matters to civilians throughout the region and it matters to Israel’s ongoing security.”
