President Joe Biden recently announced plans to increase security assistance to Ukraine by ensuring that all remaining congressionally authorized funding, including $5.5 billion in presidential drawdown authority, is transferred to Ukraine before the administration closes out activities in January. This surge in assistance comes in response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with the U.S. having already provided about $60.4 billion in security assistance since then. The goal is to equip Ukraine with the resources it needs to be successful on the battlefield.
Executing the presidential drawdown authority, which involves moving $5.5 billion in gear from U.S. military inventory to Ukraine before Jan. 20, presents a significant challenge. Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh emphasized the Defense Department’s ability to quickly get things done, citing past successes in similar situations. Singh highlighted the department’s commitment to working hard to ensure that the allocated and authorized funding is spent before Biden leaves office, underscoring the importance of supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
The Pentagon has already initiated the 69th presidential drawdown authority package to Ukraine, worth $425 million, on Nov. 1. Singh indicated that more such packages are expected in the coming months as the administration continues to draw down resources from U.S. stockpiles to support Ukraine. Despite these transfers, the department remains focused on maintaining its own readiness levels by constantly refilling its shelves and stockpiles with necessary equipment and capabilities.
Singh emphasized the department’s awareness of what is being sent to Ukraine and its need to balance supporting Ukraine with maintaining its own readiness levels. The Secretary of Defense is committed to ensuring that the department does not dip below acceptable readiness levels, even as resources are transferred to Ukraine. This ongoing commitment to readiness ensures that both the U.S. military and Ukraine have the necessary resources to effectively respond to security challenges and threats in the region.
