DOD Providing $200 Million for Ukrainian Defense

The Department of Defense (DOD) has agreed to provide $200 million to Ukraine for additional training, equipment and advisory efforts to build the defensive capacity of Ukraine’s forces, according to a July 20 DOD release. "This reaffirms the long-standing defense relationship between the United States and Ukraine and brings the total U.S. security sector assistance to Ukraine to more than $1 billion since 2014," DOD stated. The funds will provide equipment to support ongoing training programs and operational needs, including capabilities to enhance Ukraine’s command and control, situational awareness systems, secure communications, military mobility, night vision, and military medical treatment.

In addition, the security cooperation builds on Ukraine’s recent adoption of the Law on National Security, DOD said. The law provides a legislative framework for aligning Ukraine’s national security architecture with Euro-Atlantic principles, which is a major step toward Ukraine’s goal of achieving NATO interoperability. "The implementation of these reforms will bolster Ukraine’s ability to defend its territorial integrity in support of a secure and democratic Ukraine," DOD suggested.

DOD indicated that a timeline for delivery and fielding of equipment will be determined at a later date.