U.S. must provide Ukraine with more weapons - Senator Portman

25.12.2021 12:14

Ukrinform

The U.S. administration must increase supplies of defensive weapons, including lethal weapons, to Ukraine to strengthen the defense capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces amid Russian aggression.

That's according to a statement issued by U.S. Senator Rob Portman, Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, following a video conference call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrinform reports.

"The United States must continue to increase the amount of defensive lethal military weaponry it sends to Ukraine and tailor it to the threat they will face so Ukraine can better defend itself," the statement said.

It says the U.S. Congress has reaffirmed its commitment to increase military support for Ukraine. In particular, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA 2022), recently passed by both chambers, increased U.S. military support for Ukraine through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

"The initiative has been extended through 2022 and its funding increased from $250 million in FY 2021 to $300 million next year with at least $75 million specifically designated for lethal assistance," the statement said.

The funds are used to help train, equip, and provide support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces in their effort to defend their independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity against Russian aggression.

Zelensky on December 24 held a video conference call with co-chairs of Ukrainian caucuses and a group of U.S. senators and congressmen.