The Defense Department is dedicated to supporting Ukraine in its conflict against Russia and will continue to provide crucial capabilities to meet Ukraine’s battlefield requirements. The department plans to allocate the remaining $1.2 billion in Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds approved by Congress by the end of the year. In addition, the U.S. will utilize $5.6 billion in presidential drawdown authority to provide Ukraine with much-needed equipment and munitions from DOD inventories. This commitment to assisting Ukraine on the battlefield is a top priority for the Department of Defense.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has been actively involved in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a global network of partners focused on meeting Ukraine’s near-term military needs and deterring future aggression. Thirteen members of the contact group are leading eight different capability coalitions aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s long-term force development, including critical capabilities such as air defense and artillery. The group will convene in the new year to lay out roadmaps for providing efficient and sustainable support to Ukraine. Allies and partners have pledged over $59 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, with some providing more assistance as a percentage of GDP than the U.S.
Ukraine is currently defending key territory in the Donetsk region, where Russia is making incremental progress toward the strategic city of Pokrovsk. Although Russia has advanced over the long term, their progress has been slow on a day-to-day basis. Ukrainian forces have been falling back to more defensible positions, with the expectation that they will be able to hold off Russian advances. In the Kursk border region, Russia has launched a counteroffensive using North Korean troops to bolster its ranks. Despite some territorial losses, Ukrainian defenses in Kursk are currently holding against the Russian offensive.
Overall, the Defense Department remains committed to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, providing critical capabilities, equipment, and munitions to bolster Ukrainian forces on the battlefield. The ongoing efforts of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and its capability coalitions aim to enhance Ukraine’s long-term force development and overall defense capabilities. With the support of allies and partners, Ukraine continues to receive significant security assistance to defend its territory and deter future aggression. The U.S. and its partners are working together to ensure that Ukraine remains in a strong position to defend itself against Russian aggression.
