Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in response to Russia’s escalation of its premeditated, unjustified war on Ukraine, the United States continues its security assistance with another $1 billion, the U.S. State Department announced March 16.
Sec. Blinken stated in the announcement that he had authorized a Presidential Drawdown of $800 million worth of military assistance for Ukraine, the fifth drawdown of U.S. military equipment for Ukraine in the past six months. The $800 million combined with $200 million authorized March 12 makes the total amount of security assistance for Ukraine to $1 billion in that week, the announcement reports.
“As Ukrainian forces bravely continue to combat Russia’s renewed invasion, the United States and its Allies and partners stand steadfast in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and we continue expediting security assistance to Ukraine,” Sec. Blinken stated in the announcement. “This includes $1 billion in new security assistance for Ukraine this week.”
Sec. Blinken stated the assistance was possible because of the administration's partnership with Congress, "whose responsiveness and generosity we deeply appreciate."
The funds enable the United States to supply anti-aircraft, anti-tank and anti-armor systems to Ukrainian forces on the ground, as well as small arms and munitions, Sec. Blinken stated in the report.
Sec. Blinken stated the U.S. will continue to work with nation partners to support the people of Ukraine to defend their country and to insist the Russian Federation to end its invasion of Ukraine.
“Until then, we will remain in close contact and coordination with our partners and allies, rally freedom-loving countries worldwide to continue delivering swift and severe consequences to the Russian Government and its enablers," Sec. Blinken stated, "and keep surging diplomatic support, security and economic assistance, and humanitarian aid to help the people of Ukraine in their time of need.”
