by Shirleen Guerra
The U.S. Department of Defense announced a new round of nearly $1 billion in U.S. taxpayer money for Ukraine as the conflict with Russia continues. Total U.S. taxpayer funding for Ukraine now totals $62 billion since the war began.
The latest package will provide Ukraine with munitions for rocket systems, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and maintenance and repair programs to sustain and bolster its combat power.
The war between Russia and Ukraine has continued to reshape global dynamics as it nears its third year, just as the Trump administration prepares to transition back into the White House.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin addressed the additional funding at the Reagan National Defense Forum, stating that the U.S. has consistently made its choice to stand with Ukraine clear.
The Ukraine Defense Contact Group is a global network of some 50 allies and partners, which Austin said have committed more than $57 billion in direct security assistance.
Austin said that Russia “has paid a staggering price for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war of aggression,” with at least 700,000 casualties and spending more than $200 billion since the start of the war.
He added that this is “a sneak preview of a world built by tyrants and thugs – a chaotic world, violent world carved into spheres of influence; a world where bullies trample their smaller neighbors; and a world where aggressors force free people to live in fear,'” Austin said.
“So, we can continue to stand up to the Kremlin, or we can let Putin have his way – and condemn our children and grandchildren to live in a world of chaos and conflict,” he said.
President-Elect Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social, “Zelensky and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness,” noting the loss of 400,000 soldiers and many civilians.
Trump urged for an immediate cease-fire and to begin negotiations, adding, “I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act. China can help. The World is waiting!”
Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron last week, and little clarity has been given on what to expect in the future support of Ukraine after Jan. 20, Inauguration Day.
“We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way. We spoke about our people, the situation on the ground, and a just peace,” Zelensky wrote on X after the meeting. “We agreed to continue working together and keep in contact. Peace through strength is possible.”
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Shirleen Guerra is a staff reporter for The Center Square. Shirleen attended Odessa College where she completed an apprenticeship through The Odessa American where she previously freelanced.
