US Aid to Ukraine-Is it fueling crisis?

In support of Ukraine, the US has committed over $15 billion in security assistance since January 2021. This includes over $14.5 billion since Russia launched its aggression against Ukraine on February 24, 2014. The actions have not been forgotten, and the US reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Through security assistance, the US has been able to provide Ukraine with over $17.3 billion in equipment and training. These efforts have been aimed at protecting its territorial integrity and improving its interoperability with NATO.

The US has provided Ukraine with over 1,400 anti-aircraft systems, over 8,500 armored vehicles, and 32,000 other anti-armor systems. It also has provided 120+ tactical vehicles and 20 artillery guns. These weapons include the 105mm Howitzers and the 120mm mortars. In addition, the US has provided Ukraine with around 1,500 high-mobility artillery rockets and over 1,500 tube-launched, wire-guided missiles, several air-to-air missiles and munitions. It has also provided over 200 Mi-17 helicopters and four command post vehicles. Moreover, the country has received over 10,000 grenade launchers and small weapons with 75,000+ sets of helmets and body armor. In addition, the country has received 700 laser-guided rockets and 15 Unmanned Aerial Systems. The US has also provided the aid to Ukraine with up to 50 anti-aircraft radars, four counter-mortar radars, and four air surveillance radars with 18 coastal patrol boats and two harpoon systems. These weapons include the M18A1 Claymore anti-personnel weapons, as well as various demolition equipment and C-4 explosives. On top of that, the US has also came up with thousands of night vision devices, laser rangefinders, optics, and commercial satellite imagery services, with medical supplies, including first aid kits and medical equipment.

As the six-month mark of the conflict in Ukraine approaches, Russia's forces continue to carry out their brutal and unprovoked attacks against Ukraine. They have been carrying out attacks that have caused widespread civilian casualties and destroyed the infrastructure of the country. President Joe Biden has stated that the US will continue providing Ukraine with the necessary resources to defend itself.

US is committed to supporting Ukraine's efforts to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty through the security assistance it provides. Through these efforts, the US has been able to demonstrate the unwavering commitment of its allies and partners to Ukraine's defense. It will continue providing Ukraine with the necessary equipment to improve its military capabilities and strengthen its negotiating position.

In August 2021, the US deployed an emergency Presidential drawdown authority to provide Ukraine with over $8.6 billion in military assistance. This was the 19th time that the US has used this authority.

Security Assistance

In response to the ongoing war in Ukraine, US Administrator Samantha Power announced a $55 million investment to help the country prepare for winter. This will support the maintenance and repairs of its heating infrastructure. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing financial and technical support to help over seven million Ukrainians recover from the war. Through its programs, the agency will provide emergency power generators and other equipment to help people in 19 regions of Ukraine. The aid will also help vulnerable individuals get access to safe and warm shelter. Some of the areas targeted by the assistance include Kyiv, Odesa, Zhytomyr, and Chernihiv.

The new funding, which comes in addition to the agency's existing assistance, will help Ukraine maintain its heating and hot water supplies. Through its programs, USAID has already helped over 20,000 individuals in Kyiv get back on their feet after their homes were destroyed by the Russian forces. Through its Energy Security Project, USAID is supporting Ukraine's efforts to develop a more secure and stable energy sector. This will help the country reduce its dependence on Russian energy. The five-year project aims to help Ukraine establish a more transparent and competitive energy sector. On February 24, 2022, USAID helped Ukraine establish a connection with the European electricity grid, which allowed the country to export electricity to the EU. In addition, the US has also provided humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine and other neighboring countries.

Besides helping Ukraine secure its energy supply during the war, USAID has also supported the country's farmers to grow food for their domestic and global markets. The agency additionally helps Ukraine carry out effective investigations and seek accountability for human rights abuses and war crimes. Through its programs, USAID has helped the country's health system fill key gaps by providing over 53 million doses of antiretroviral medications to people with HIV/AIDS. It additionally helped local governments address the challenges caused by the invasion of Russia.

On September 8, the US announced that it would be making a further investment of over $2 billion in long-term investments through the Foreign Military Financing program to strengthen Ukraine's security. This additional funding will help support the country's military capabilities and address the threat of Russian aggression. The funds will also help our allied partners backfill their own security assistance to Ukraine.

On April 24, the US notified Congress that it would be obligated to provide over $713 million in additional funding for Ukraine and other allied nations in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. This will help strengthen the US' commitment to the region and improve the US' capabilities to deter Russia. In FY2022, the US has provided Ukraine with almost $1 billion in security assistance. While in FY 2021, the US provided Ukraine with over $200 million in security assistance, which included a $75 million lethal assistance package.

In FY 2021, the US provided over $113 million in financial assistance to Ukraine. The funds were used to support the country's acquisition of various military equipment, such as armored vehicles, electronic equipment, and medical supplies. In addition, the US provided $3 million in IMET funding. The US has also provided over $40 million in training and equipment to Ukraine through the Global Security Contingency Fund. This program, which is a joint effort of the US Department of Defense and the State Department, has helped the country develop its military capabilities. These include the establishment of special operations forces, the training of non-combat medical professionals, and the development of its conventional forces. On February 20, 2022, the US transferred four Mi-17 helicopters to Ukraine through the Excess Defense Articles program. And in 2018, US provided Ukraine with four Island-Class cutters. The vessels were refitted with new engines and equipment. The funds for the project were provided by the FMF and national funds. Additional ships are currently being transferred.

Third Party Transfers (TPT)

In advance of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022, the US approved third-party transfers of US-origin equipment from its allies. These include various types of weapons systems and equipment, such as anti-armor and radars. Over 12,000 of these systems have been delivered to Ukraine. The contributions from our Allies and partners are very important and appreciated.

Foreign Military Sales

Through the Foreign Military Sales program, the US has been able to provide Ukraine with over $595.9 million in active sales cases. The details of these sales are listed on the website of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). Some of the notable prior sales include the sale of non-standard ammunition to Ukraine in 2022 and the sale of 210 anti-armor missiles to Ukraine in 2018. The sale of 150 additional missiles in 2019 and the 2020 Mark VI Patrol Boats was also approved.

Direct Commercial Sales

The details of these sales are listed on the website of the DSCA. Some of the notable prior sales include the sale of non-standard ammunition to Ukraine in 2022 and the sale of 210 anti-armor missiles to Ukraine in 2018. The sale of 150 additional missiles in 2019 and the 2020 Mark VI Patrol Boats was also approved.

Border Security

In response to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022, the US provided non-lethal assistance to the country's border security forces. It also continued to support the country's government partners. In addition, the US provided $6.9 million through the National Anti-Doping and Export Control program to support the implementation of export control and sanctions against Russia.

Through the Export Control and Sanctions program, the US was able to assist Ukraine in its efforts to export and customs. Until the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022, the US was focused on developing the Maritime Border Guard's operational capabilities. These capabilities were designed to replace the equipment and procedures that were lost during Russia's unlawful occupation of Crimea.

Through the EXBS program, the US has been providing over $34.8 million in support to Ukraine through various programs. One of the organizations that has been receiving assistance through the program is the State Border Guard Service.

Conventional Weapons Destruction

On August 9, the US announced that it would be providing $89 million in FY 2022 funding to help Ukraine address the humanitarian and security challenges caused by the war-torn country's explosive remnants. The funds will be used to deploy over a hundred demining teams and support a large-scale project to strengthen Ukraine's explosive ordnance disposal capabilities.

From 2004 to 2021, the US has been providing Ukraine with over $77.3 million in support to clear unexploded ordnance and landmine remnants left by Russia's forces and their proxies in the Donbas region. These funds have also been used to strengthen Ukraine's demining capabilities and improve the security services' capacity to manage its weapons and ammunition stocks.

In 2021, the US government was able to successfully destroy over 1.9 million square meters of land with the help of its conventional weapons destruction programs. These programs were able to clear and return to the communities where they were previously located. Since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022, the US has been supporting education campaigns about the dangers of unexploded ordnance.

Ukrainian demining authorities have been extensively trained by the US to address the country's explosive remnants problem. They are currently leading the country's efforts to address the massive levels of contamination left by Russian forces.

Global Peacekeeping Operations

Before Ukraine's troops were withdrawn from peacekeeping operations in the Donbas region, it was contributing troops to the UN's stabilization mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Through the Global Peace Operations Initiative, Ukraine has also received over $4 million in capacity-building assistance.

State Partnership Program

The California National Guard is a part of the Department of Defense's State Partnership Program, which was established in 1993 to help former Soviet and Warsaw Pact states improve their democracy. Through regular military-to-military exchanges, the US has been able to help Ukraine maintain its defense modernization.

Joint Exercises

In addition to regular military-to-military exchanges, Ukraine also participates in multilateral and bilateral exercises with the US, NATO, and the EU.

Conclusion

The US is continuously providing military aid to Ukraine, and some of it will not be delivered until next year. Since the start of the Biden administration's term, the country has received about $10.6 billion in aid. Nineteen packages of weapons have been delivered directly from the Defense Department's stocks. The US is also considering sending additional troops to Ukraine. These soldiers would be trained outside the country, and they would be stationed on the southern and eastern flanks of Europe that are most threatened by Russia. Whereas, the situation in the war in Ukraine has gradually improved since Russia invaded the country six months ago. Both sides have been able to trade attacks and advances, but thousands of soldiers have been killed. Russia's heavy artillery bombardment has also killed many civilians. The new aid package for Ukraine is focused on helping the country secure its long-term security. Unlike previous aid packages, this one focuses on providing the country with the necessary equipment and training to maintain its defensive posture. The package also aims to reassure Ukraine that the US will continue to provide its support. This is because the US is not backing down from its commitments to Ukraine.

Pic Courtsey-Dimitry Anikin at unsplash.com

(The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent views of CESCUBE.)