US increases security assistance to Ukraine to almost $7 billion since Russia's invasion

President Joe Biden has given the Department of Defense (DOD) authorization for a drawdown of up to $450 million to meet Ukraine's critical arms needs in the face of the Russian invasion. 

This is the 13th presidential drawdown of DOD stocks since August 2021. Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24.

"The United States has now committed approximately $6.8 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden Administration, including approximately $6.1 billion since the beginning of Russia's unprovoked invasion on February 24," Acting Pentagon Press Secretary Todd Breasseale said on June 23, according to the Pentagon’s press service.

The package includes four high-mobility artillery rocket systems, 36,000 rounds of 105 mm ammunition, 18 tactical vehicles to tow 155 mm artillery, 1,200 grenade launchers, 2,000 machine guns, 18 coastal and riverine patrol boats, and spare parts and other equipment. 

Since 2014, the United States has committed more than $8.7 billion in security assistance to Ukraine. 

"As President [Joe] Biden told President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy when they spoke last week, the United States will continue to bolster Ukraine's defences and support its sovereignty, its territorial integrity," National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said at the White House on June 23.

"The bravery and determination of the Ukrainian armed forces, let alone their fellow citizens, continues to inspire the world and we are committed to standing with them as they fight for their freedom." 

Kirby also previewed the NATO Summit in Madrid next week where President Biden will join fellow alliance heads of state and government.

"Leaders will announce new force posture commitments to strengthen NATO's defence and deterrent posture," Kirby said. "The US will announce steps to strengthen European security alongside expected major new contributions from allies."