This afternoon, April 1, the Department of Defense (DoD) briefed Congress on additional assistance activities under the authority provided by the Ukraine Security Initiative (USAI). Through USAI, the Department of Defense will provide up to $ 300 million in security assistance to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities. 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 of choice. Features of this package include: • Laser guided missile systems. Regular unmanned aerial Switchblade systems. • Puma unmanned aerial systems. • Anti-manned aerial systems. • High mobility multi-purpose armored wheeled vehicles. • Non-standard small to large caliber ammunition. • Night vision devices, thermal imaging systems and optics. • Regular secure communication systems. • Non-standard machine guns. • Commercial satellite imagery services. • Medical supplies, field equipment and spare parts. The United States has now pledged more than $ 2.3 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the Biden administration, including more than $ 1.6 billion in security assistance from Russia’s unplanned, premeditated invasion. In contrast to Presidential Drawdown, USAI is an authority under which the United States procures capabilities from industry rather than delivering equipment drawn from Department of Defense stockpiles. This announcement represents the beginning of a contracting process to provide new capabilities to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The United States also continues to work with the Allies and their partners to identify and provide the Ukrainians with additional capabilities. The United States will continue to use all available tools to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the face of Russian aggression.
