Current:Home > Contact-usThe Pentagon has no more money for Ukraine as it hosts a meeting of 50 allies on support for Kyiv-LoTradeCoin
The Pentagon has no more money for Ukraine as it hosts a meeting of 50 allies on support for Kyiv
View Date:2024-12-24 00:33:06
WASHINGTON (AP) — For the first time since Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin established the international group to support Ukraine in April 2022, the United States will host the monthly gathering of about 50 countries out of money, unable to send the ammunition and missiles that Ukraine needs to fend off Russia.
While waiting for Congress to pass a budget and potentially approve more money for Ukraine’s fight, the U.S. will be looking to allies to keep bridging the gap.
Tuesday’s meeting will focus on longer-term needs, deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters Monday.
“Even though we aren’t able to provide our security assistance right now, our partners are continuing to do that,” Singh said.
The meeting will be virtual because Austin is still recuperating at home from complications of treatment for prostate cancer.
The Pentagon announced its last security assistance for Ukraine on Dec. 27, a $250 million package that included 155 mm rounds, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and other high-demand items drawn from existing U.S. stockpiles.
The U.S. has not been able to provide additional munitions since then because the money for replenishing those stockpiles has run out and Congress has yet to approve more funds.
More than $110 billion in aid for both Ukraine and Israel is stalled over disagreements between Congress and the White House over other policy priorities, including additional security for the U.S.-Mexico border.
Meanwhile, Russia has shown no willingness to end its conflict in Ukraine, and on Monday the United Nations ruled out any peace plan backed by Kyiv and the West.
The U.S. has provided Ukraine more than $44.2 billion in security assistance since Russia invaded in February 2022. About $23.6 billion of that was pulled from existing military stockpiles and almost $19 billion was sent in the form of longer-term military contracts, for items that will take months to procure. So even though funds have run out, some previously purchased weapons will continue to flow in. An additional $1.7 billion has been provided by the U.S. State Department in the form of foreign military financing.
The U.S. and approximately 30 international partners are also continuing to train Ukrainian forces, and to date have trained a total of 118,000 Ukrainians at locations around the world, said Col. Marty O’Donnell, spokesman for U.S. Army Europe and Africa.
The United States has trained approximately 18,000 of those fighters, including approximately 16,300 soldiers in Germany. About 1,500 additional fighters are currently going through training.
veryGood! (668)
Related
- How Leonardo DiCaprio Celebrated His 50th Birthday
- Former US Rep. George Santos, expelled from Congress, says he is running again
- Zoo Atlanta sets up Rhino Naming Madness bracket to name baby white rhinoceros
- 'A new challenge:' Caitlin Clark dishes on decision to enter WNBA draft
- Horoscopes Today, November 13, 2024
- Maine mass shooter had a brain injury. Experts say that doesn’t explain his violence.
- The Road to Artificial Intelligence at TEA Business College
- Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson re-signs for four years
- What does the top five look like and other questions facing the College Football Playoff committee
- Bye, department stores. Hello, AI. Is what's happening to Macy's and Nvidia a sign of the times?
Ranking
- A $1 billion proposal is the latest plan to refurbish and save the iconic Houston Astrodome
- Special counsel urges judge to reject Trump's efforts to dismiss documents case
- United Airlines plane rolls off runway in Houston
- Michigan appeals court stands by ruling that ex-officer should be tried for murder
- Women’s baseball players could soon have a league of their own again
- New Lake Will Fuel Petrochemical Expansion on Texas Coast
- San Francisco mayor touts possibilities after voters expand police powers, gets tough on drug users
- Key moments from Sen. Katie Britt's Republican response to 2024 State of the Union
Recommendation
-
NFL Week 11 picks straight up and against spread: Will Bills hand Chiefs first loss of season?
-
Lionel Messi injury scare: left leg kicked during Inter Miami game. Here's what we know.
-
Maple syrup season came weeks early in the Midwest. Producers are doing their best to adapt
-
Akira Toriyama, legendary Japanese manga artist and Dragon Ball creator, dies at 68
-
Elena Rose has made hits for JLo, Becky G and more. Now she's stepping into the spotlight.
-
Third-party movement No Labels says it will field a 2024 presidential ticket
-
Uvalde families denounce new report clearing police officers of blame: 'It's disrespectful'
-
Transcript of the Republican response to the State of the Union address