U.S. Defense Department allocates USD 125 mln for Ukraine

The U.S. Department of Defense announced on March 1 a
new USD 125 mln package for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI)
that includes training, equipment, and advisory efforts, the Department said in
a press release. The package will help Ukraine’s forces preserve the country’s
territorial integrity, secure its borders, and improve interoperability with
NATO.

“This action reaffirms the U.S. commitment to
providing defensive lethal weapons to enable Ukraine to more effectively defend
itself against Russian aggression,” the press release stressed. The USAI
package includes two additional armed Mark VI patrol boats to enhance Ukraine’s
capacity to patrol and defend its territorial waters.  To date, the U.S.
has committed a total of eight Mark VI patrol boats. The package also includes
additional counter-artillery radars and tactical equipment; continued support
for a satellite imagery and analysis capability; and equipment to support military
medical treatment and combat evacuation procedures. 

“The remaining USD 150 mln in fiscal year 2021 USAI
funds appropriated by Congress will be provided when the Defense Department, in
coordination with the Department of State, certifies that Ukraine has made
sufficient progress on key defense reforms this year, as required by the
National Defense Authorization Act,” the press release clarified. “The
Department encourages Ukraine to continue to enact reforms that strengthen
civilian control of the military, promote increased transparency and
accountability in defense industry and procurement, and modernize its defense
sector in other key areas in line with NATO principles and standards.”

Yuri Svirko: While the United States has committed more than USD 2 bln in security
assistance to Ukraine since 2014, the new financial package announcement is the
first one under the Biden administration, which is a good sign for Ukraine
trying to organize Biden’s visit to Kyiv or merely his phone call to Zelensky.
At the same time, like most recent statements of support from the West, it is
coupled with a call upon Ukraine’s authorities to progress with reforms,
highlighting the need for transparency and accountability.