United States to Strengthen Ukraine’s Defence Capacity

The United States will continue its efforts to strengthen the capacity of Ukraine’s army.

“We will continue our efforts to build the capacity of the Ukrainian armed forces to defend Ukraine so that it is more effective, and to carry out reforms in the defence sector,” Pentagon Director for Central and Southern Europe Alton Buland said at the Atlantic Council conference.

He noted that at the NATO summit in Brussels, the leaders confirmed the statement following the 2008 summit on the possible membership of Ukraine: “We call on all our allies to step up support for Ukraine and Georgia.”

As a reminder, the Pentagon endorsed the allocation of the second part of security assistance to Ukraine totalling $150 million.

“A new package within the initiative to promote security in Ukraine totals $150 million, including training, equipment and consultations to help Ukraine’s forces preserve the country’s territorial integrity, protect its borders and improve cooperation with NATO,” the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine informed.

In addition, the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives approved the 2021 National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA 2021). The document provides for the allocation of $250 million in security assistance to Ukraine, including $75 million for the purchase of defensive weapons for the needs of the Armed Forces, a $25 million increase compared to 2020.

Natalia Tolub