U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) announced the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative has been extended through 2022 as part of the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The funding was increased from $250 million to $300 million per year, with at least $75 million specifically for lethal assistance. The funds will be used, the Senators said, to train, equip and provide support for the Ukrainian government to defend their territory and autonomy against Russian aggression.
“As I reiterated to President Zelenskyy during our bipartisan discussion last week, this increase in security aid underscores our U.S. commitment to helping our ally Ukraine. The Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative provides critical support for Ukraine in defending its sovereign territory – on the land, sea, and air,” Portman said regarding a Christmas Eve video conference call he and Shaheen, as well as 20 other members of Congress, had with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the security situation in the country.
Portman has successfully championed language in the NDAA that would expand military aid to Ukraine while strongly encouraging the Ukrainian government to continue its efforts to eliminate corruption and increase security sector reforms.
“There is clearly bipartisan determination in Congress to support Ukraine against Russian provocation and aggression,” Shaheen said. “I’m pleased the annual defense bill signed into law includes this assistance to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities, making good on the U.S.’ promise to support our partners and hold the Kremlin to account. As we made clear in our call with President Zelenskyy last week, the U.S. stands with Ukraine and supports efforts to defend its sovereignty.”
The NDAA was signed into law by President Joe Biden on Dec. 27.