Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced June 27 that he has authorized the 41st drawdown of security assistance for Ukraine in its defense against Russia's illegal invasion. The drawdown includes $500 million worth of U.S. military equipment from Defense Department stockpiles, according to the announcement.
Blinken also announced the drawdown on Twitter, writing "A just and lasting peace requires a stronger Ukraine capable of defeating and deterring any aggression.”
The drawdown includes Bradley and Stryker vehicles, air-defense and precision aerial munitions, artillery, rocket-launch systems, anti-tank weapons, anti-radiation missiles "and other essential resources to bolster Ukraine’s forces battlefield survivability, help them retake Ukraine’s sovereign territory, and defend their fellow citizens," Blinken stated in the announcement.
"This security assistance package will support Ukraine’s ongoing counteroffensive operations with equipment directly tailored for Ukraine’s needs on the battlefield today," Blinken wrote in the statement.
Since the start of the Biden administration, the U.S. has committed $41.2 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, the State Department (DOS) reported June 27, with more than $40.5 billion invested in response to Russia's unprovoked invasion in February 2022, to "demonstrate our enduring and steadfast commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," the DOS states in the report.
"Since 2014, the United States has provided more than $43.3 billion in security assistance for training and equipment to help Ukraine preserve its territorial integrity, secure its borders, and improve interoperability with NATO," the DOS report states.
In addition to the drawdowns of equipment, the U.S. has also committed significant resources to training, maintenance and sustainment activities, according to DOS. Through joint exercises, training programs and logistical support, the U.S. is actively assisting Ukraine in building a capable and resilient defense force.
"The enduring courage and solidarity of the people of Ukraine continues to inspire the world," Blinken wrote in his statement.
He stated that "Russia started this unprovoked war" and could end it at any time.
"Until Russia does so," Blinken stated, "the United States and our allies and partners will stand united with Ukraine, for as long as it takes.
