Defense Department: 'Vast majority' of $350 million in military aid to Ukraine has been delivered
Roughly $240 million in aid has reached Ukraine, including "the most-needed capabilities, like anti-armor capabilities," Defense Department official says
A senior Department of Defense official said Friday the "vast majority" of a $350 million military aid package for Ukraine has been delivered, with most of the rest expected to arrive in the next week.
The White House approved the package on Feb. 26, two days after Russia invaded Ukraine, in "a presidential drawdown," which fast-tracked it by allowing the aid to bypass congressional approval, according to the Pentagon official, The Hill reported.
Roughly $240 million in aid has reached Ukraine, including "the most-needed capabilities, like anti-armor capabilities," the official said. The rest of the money will report rely arrive within days or weeks.
The equipment sent to Ukraine has been sent to the country before so that the Ukrainians can use it "proficiently," without needing training.
"I think all of us have been tremendously impressed by how effectively the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been using the equipment that we've provided them," the Defense official said, highlighting that "Kremlin watchers have also been surprised by this, and how they have slowed the Russian advance and performed extremely well on the battlefield."
Over the past year, the U.S. has provided Ukraine's military with over $1 billion in aid and plans to provide more as the Russian invasion continues.
The $350 million package included hundreds of Stinger missiles, and the Biden administration has asked Congress for an additional $10 billion in security, humanitarian and economic aid for Ukraine.