The administration of President Joe Biden requested more than $13 billion in extra military funding for Ukraine on Thursday, claiming the necessity for ongoing support in the wake of Russia’s “unprovoked” invasion of the nation last year.
In a letter to Congressional leader Kevin McCarthy and others, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) director Shalanda Young explained how the cash will aid Ukraine and other weak nations “impacted by Russia’s unprovoked and brutal invasion.”
According to the OMB, over $10 billion of the additional military spending would be allocated to a number of initiatives targeted at speeding up the production of new weapons and restocking Department of Defense stocks with defense supplies.
“The President has reaffirmed that we will stand with Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty for as long as it takes,” Young said.
This tactic “has successfully brought together our partners and allies and given Ukraine the tools it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression,” she continued.
The White House requested more than $21 billion in increased spending on Ukraine-related matters on Thursday.
Before any funds are released, the funding request must receive congressional approval.
Other large requests include a $3.3 billion ask to provide three additional months of direct budget support to Ukraine. This would “ensure that the government of Ukraine can continue responding to critical needs, including providing healthcare and education,” the OMB said.
As of July 25, the United States has committed more than $43.7 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, the Department of Defense said in a recent statement.
