Shaheen, Portman Announce Increased Funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative Passes as Part of FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative has been extended through 2022 and its funding has been increased from $250 million to $300 million per year, with at least $75 million specifically for lethal assistance, as part of the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). These funds are used to help train, equip, and provide support for the Ukrainian government in their effort to defend their territory and autonomy against ongoing Russian aggression. 

“Combating Russian aggression has long been one of my top priorities in the Senate, but it’s even more important now given Russia’s deliberate and alarming military buildup along Ukraine’s border. Shoring up the security of key regional allies like Ukraine is our best defense against Putin’s provocative and destabilizing behavior,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m pleased funding to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities passed as part of the NDAA in the Senate, which is the most recent congressional action in support of our Ukrainian partners in this legislation. Today, the Senate sent unified, bipartisan messages that Putin will be held to account for his malign activities, and the U.S. will equip our allies with the tools necessary to protect their territorial integrity from anti-democratic threats in the region.”

“In the face of increased Russian aggression against Ukraine, I am pleased to see this extension and increase in security aid to our ally Ukraine and I’m proud it’s included in our annual defense authorization bill. It is clear that the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative provides our allies in Ukraine with the assistance that is critical in defending their sovereign territory – on the land, sea, and air,” said Senator Portman. “I’m proud to have led the effort in Congress to secure this crucial funding and will continue to work with Senator Shaheen and my colleagues in Congress to ensure the United States continues to stand with Ukraine in their fight to secure a democratic, prosperous, and independent future.”

Shaheen is a member of the Senate Ukraine Caucus. Last month, Shaheen led a bipartisan delegation to the Halifax International Security Forum, where she helped reaffirm the U.S. bipartisan commitment to the transatlantic alliance and European partners, including Ukraine. During the conference, Shaheen participated in a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian officials. In June, Shaheen led a bipartisan group of lawmakers to Eastern Europe, including Ukraine, to underscore the United States’ commitment to Ukraine as it works to achieve its pro-democratic aspirations. Shaheen participated in a closed-session briefing on Ukraine last night and participated in another closed-session briefing with the Senate Armed Services Committee on Ukraine today.  

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