DOD announces $2.3B aid package for Ukraine

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin today announced a new $2.3 billion military aid package for Ukraine that includes additional artillery, air defense interceptors and an "accelerated" delivery timeline by the "re-sequencing" of some weapon sales to other U.S. allies.

“Ukraine is not alone, and the United States will never waver in our support,” he said during a meeting at the Pentagon with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

Austin said the new $2.3 billion package, which is being provided under presidential drawdown authority, will include “more air defense inceptors, anti-tank weapons and other critical munitions from U.S. inventories.”

The Pentagon, meanwhile, has not yet announced what will be specifically provided by the $2.3 billion aid package.

Additionally, Austin said the United States has worked with other U.S. allies to redirect foreign military sales so aid can be rushed to Ukraine.

The White House announced the “re-sequencing” of FMS in June.

The aid announcements come a week before a NATO summit in Washington where, Austin said, the United States and its allies will “take steps to build a bridge to NATO membership for Ukraine.”

Umerov thanked Austin and the United States for its support.

“With that support, we have stopped Russia, stopped the aggression towards our people, towards our values, national interests,” he said. “And we look forward to discussing with you how we could continue our partnership and be, in the future, a member of NATO. Hopefully soon, Ukraine will receive its invitation. But at the moment, we will discuss the issues, how to increase our capabilities and plans.”