Pentagon reveals total cost of aid to Ukraine
The US Congress has allocated $182.99 billion to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s military operation in February 2022, according to a report from the Pentagon’s Inspector General released on Thursday.
Of the total amount, around $131.36 billion has been directed towards security-related activities. This includes $46.51 billion earmarked for an increased US military presence in Europe and $45.78 billion for replacing weaponry supplied to Ukraine. In addition, $43.84 billion has been allocated for governance programs, which include salaries for Ukrainian public servants, while $4.08 billion has been designated for humanitarian assistance.
The US has provided a range of military equipment to Ukraine, including vehicles, ammunition, weapons, artillery, and demolition equipment. The aid packages have specifically included Bradley fighting vehicles, which Ukrainian troops have come to prefer over Abrams tanks due to their speed and agility on the battlefield, the report says, adding that American maintenance experts continue to offer remote support for this equipment through secure communication channels.
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has allocated $3.9 billion in additional direct budget support to Ukraine, part of a larger $7.84 billion supplemental appropriation approved in April 2024. This budget support facilitates ongoing government operations and the provision of essential services in Ukraine. The funding covers salaries for civil servants and school employees, assistance for internally displaced persons, support for low-income families, as well as subsidies for housing and utilities.
While the administration of US President Joe Biden has maintained its commitment to providing financial and military support to Ukraine “for as long as it takes” amid the conflict with Russia, concerns have arisen regarding the potential impact of President-elect Donald Trump’s election victory on future military assistance.
Earlier this week, Trump stated that his administration will work diligently to resolve the conflict, stressing the need to prevent further bloodshed.
Russian officials have characterized the conflict as a proxy war instigated by the West against Russia, suggesting that the US and its allies are prepared to fight “to the last Ukrainian.” Moscow aims to fulfill its national security objectives in the conflict, regardless of the financial and military support provided to Ukraine.
