Breaking News: US Approves $61 Billion Military Aid to Ukraine with Ammunition & Air Defense Systems.

On Saturday, April 20, 2024, the United States House of Representatives approved a budget of $61 billion for military aid Ukraine, part of which is allocated for replenishing American munitions and air defense systems. On March 12, 2024, it was announced that the United States had provided approximately $44.2 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.
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Ukrainian soldiers train in Germany to operate the Patriot air defense missile system. (Picture source German MoD)

The United States have stopped military aid to Ukraine due to a lack of approval from Congress for additional funding. This situation stems from political disagreements within the U.S. government. Specifically, the Biden administration had requested substantial supplemental funding to continue supporting Ukraine among other geopolitical interests. However, this request has become entangled with contentious issues like border security and immigration reforms, leading to a deadlock in Congress. As a result, the existing funds allocated for military aid to Ukraine have been exhausted, and no new tranches of aid can be initiated without further legislative approval. This pause in assistance comes at a critical time as military tensions in the region continue to escalate.

According to a report from "The Guardian" on April 20, 2024, the Ukraine bill includes significant funding allocations, where $60.7 billion is outlined with specific purposes. Of this, approximately $23 billion is designated to replenish U.S. military stockpiles, facilitating future military transfers to Ukraine. An additional $14 billion is allocated to the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, allowing the Pentagon to purchase advanced weapon systems directly from U.S. defense contractors for the Ukrainian military.

Moreover, the bill provides for more than $11 billion to support current U.S. military operations in the region, which will enhance the Ukrainian military's capabilities and foster intelligence collaboration between Kyiv and Washington. Furthermore, about $8 billion is earmarked for non-military assistance, aimed at helping Ukraine’s government maintain essential operations, including paying salaries and pensions.

The United States Department of Defense disclosed on March 12, 2024, that since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the U.S. has provided Ukraine with approximately $44.2 billion in military assistance. Additionally, since the initial Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2014, the total U.S. military assistance has exceeded $47 billion.

In recent days, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized the critical need for air defense aid, highlighting the urgency due to an intensified bombing campaign by Russia. The attacks have targeted a variety of locations across Ukraine, from military sites to civilian infrastructures such as residential buildings, hospitals, and shopping malls. This escalation aims to deplete Ukraine's air defense capabilities which remain heavily dependent on international support for resupply despite enhancements. The situation is precarious, as dwindling air defense ammunition could lead to severe vulnerabilities if not addressed promptly.

U.S. military officials have stated that the U.S. could send certain munitions to Ukraine 'almost immediately.' Among the weapons ready for rapid deployment are 155 mm rounds and other artillery, along with some air defense munitions.

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. government has provided substantial military aid to Ukraine, focusing significantly on enhancing its air defense capabilities. As of March 2024, the U.S. has supplied Ukraine with a range of air defense systems to bolster its resistance against aerial attacks. This aid includes one Patriot air defense missile system battery complete with necessary munitions, which is a cornerstone of strategic air defense due to its capability to target multiple airborne threats simultaneously. Additionally, the U.S. has delivered 12 National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) along with their respective munitions, offering medium to long-range defense options.

Further strengthening the air defense array, Ukraine has received HAWK air defense systems, which are older yet reliable systems for medium-range air defense. The arsenal also includes various missiles such as the AIM-7, RIM-7, and AIM-9M missiles, all designated for air defense roles, enhancing the versatility and responsiveness of Ukraine's air defense strategies.

In response to the threats from aircraft, the U.S. has also provided Ukraine with over 2,000 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, which are man-portable and highly effective against low-flying aircraft. The Avenger air defense systems have been another critical addition, providing mobile firepower against aircraft with their missile and gun capabilities.

Additionally, recognizing the growing threat from unmanned aerial systems (UAS), the U.S. has equipped Ukraine with VAMPIRE counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (c-UAS) and the necessary munitions, which are specifically tailored to counter low-altitude drone threats.

Ukraine's urgent request for military equipment primarily focuses on enhanced air defense capabilities. This includes a significant need for additional air defense systems and munitions to counter the intensifying aerial bombardment campaigns by Russian forces. The key components of this request involve systems capable of intercepting missiles and drones, as the Russian military has increased its use of these tactics in recent attacks.

Defense News April 2024