The U.S. Department of Defense has released $400 million in military aid for Ukraine for contracting purposes, funds that had previously been held at the Pentagon.
Source: “Espreso”
During hearings before the House Armed Services Committee, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth stated this, according to Suspilne.
Congresswoman Sara Elfreth asked during the session when Ukraine would receive the funds that Congress approved last year through a bipartisan vote for defense needs.
“The Department acknowledges that $400 million was allocated for the development of European capabilities, and as of yesterday these funds have been released for contracting,” Hegseth said.
When asked about the timing of the actual delivery of weapons to Ukraine, he replied that it depends on what equipment is purchased. According to him, the Pentagon will act based on the recommendations of the U.S. European Command (EUCOM), which coordinates the use of these funds.
This refers to funding under the USAI initiative, which provides for U.S. defense companies to manufacture priority weapons for Ukraine’s Defense Forces. The program also includes an additional $400 million allocated for fiscal year 2027.