US Unable to Provide Financial Aid to Ukraine Amidst Pentagon Funding Shortfall
More than $110 billion in aid for both Ukraine and Israel faces a standstill due to disagreements between Congress and the White House.
Members of Ukrainian Armed Forces are seen during their shooting training with heavy weapons at the areas close to the frontline in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine on April 20, 2023. Photo by Anadolu Images.
I
n a significant turn of events, the United States finds itself unable to provide further ammunition and missiles to Ukraine, marking the first time since the establishment of the international support group by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in April 2022. The monthly gathering, which typically involves around 50 countries, is set to take place on January 23, with the U.S. grappling with a lack of funds to aid Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
As Congress deliberates on the budget and potential allocations for Ukraine, the U.S. will look to its allies to bridge the financial gap. Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh emphasized that although the U.S. is currently unable to contribute security assistance, its partners remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s needs. The upcoming meeting will primarily focus on addressing longer-term requirements in light of the funding challenges.
The Pentagon’s last security assistance for Ukraine, announced on December 27, amounted to $250 million, encompassing 155 mm rounds, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, and other high-demand items drawn from existing U.S. stockpiles. However, the U.S. has been unable to replenish these stockpiles due to the depletion of funds, awaiting approval from Congress for additional allocations.
Aid to Ukraine and Israel
More than $110 billion in aid for both Ukraine and Israel faces a standstill due to disagreements between Congress and the White House on various policy priorities, including additional security measures for the U.S.-Mexico border. Meanwhile, Russia has exhibited no willingness to cease its conflict in Ukraine, and the United Nations ruled out any peace plan endorsed by Kyiv and the West.
Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the U.S. has provided over $44.2 billion in security assistance to Ukraine. Of this, approximately $23.6 billion was sourced from existing military stockpiles, while nearly $19 billion was sent through longer-term military contracts, with the procurement of items taking several months. Although funds have run out, some previously purchased weapons will continue to be delivered. The U.S. State Department has additionally provided $1.7 billion in foreign military financing.
Approximately 30 international partners, along with the U.S., continue to train Ukrainian forces. To date, they have trained a total of 118,000 Ukrainians worldwide. Colonel Marty O’Donnell, spokesman for U.S. Army Europe and Africa, noted that the U.S. has trained around 18,000 of these fighters, including approximately 16,300 soldiers in Germany, with an additional 1,500 currently undergoing training.
