U.S. Senate NDAA includes $250 mln in security assistance for Ukraine

The U.S. Senate National Defense Authorization Act includes $250 million in security assistance for Ukraine, and half of funds are designated specifically for lethal assistance.

“U.S. Senator Rob Portman, co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced that the Senate FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes $250 million in security assistance for Ukraine to fund additional training, lethal and non-lethal equipment, and advisory efforts for Ukraine’s forces,” reads the press release on the official website of the Senator.

As noted, $125 million is designated specifically for lethal assistance, an increase of $75 million from FY20.

 In addition, the bill includes a Portman proposal to require DoD to develop a new, multi-year strategy to support the development of Ukraine’s military forces, increasing its capability and capacity and providing a resource plan for US security assistance. This report will better synchronize and prioritize future US security assistance to Ukraine by identifying gaps and shortfalls that need to be addressed.

“Furthermore, Senator Portman looks forward to filing an amendment to congratulate Ukraine on its ascension into NATO’s Enhanced Opportunity Partner program, a crucial step toward Ukraine achieving full NATO membership,” the statement reads.

“This bill sends a clear message that America stands with the Ukrainian people in their struggle to secure a democratic, prosperous, and independent future in the face of Russian aggression,” Portman said.

ol