The U.S. Department of Defense has announced a new round of nearly $1 billion in U.S. taxpayer funding for Ukraine as the conflict with Russia continues. This brings the total U.S. taxpayer contribution to Ukraine to $62 billion since the war began.
The latest funding package will provide Ukraine with munitions for rocket systems, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and maintenance and repair programs to support and enhance its combat capabilities.
The war between Russia and Ukraine, now approaching its third year, has reshaped global dynamics, coinciding with the Trump administration’s upcoming return to the White House.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin discussed the additional funding at the Reagan National Defense Forum, emphasizing that the U.S. has firmly chosen to support Ukraine.
The Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a global coalition of about 50 allies and partners, has collectively committed over $57 billion in direct security assistance, according to Austin.
Austin also highlighted the severe cost Russia has incurred due to President Vladimir Putin’s aggression, with over 700,000 casualties and more than $200 billion spent since the war’s onset.
He described the situation as a “sneak preview of a world built by tyrants and thugs—a chaotic, violent world divided into spheres of influence, where bullies trample on their smaller neighbors and aggressors force free people to live in fear.”
Austin stressed the choice before the U.S.: “We can continue to stand up to the Kremlin, or we can let Putin have his way—and condemn our children and grandchildren to live in a world of chaos and conflict.”
On Truth Social, President-Elect Donald Trump remarked, “Zelensky and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness,” referencing the loss of 400,000 soldiers and many civilians.
Trump called for an immediate ceasefire and urged negotiations, adding, “I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act. China can help. The World is waiting!”
Trump recently met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron, but there is little clarity on what future support for Ukraine will look like after Inauguration Day, January 20.
Zelensky wrote on X after the meeting, “We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way. We spoke about our people, the situation on the ground, and a just peace. We agreed to continue working together and keep in contact. Peace through strength is possible.”
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