Over 80% of US artillery and 67% of air defense aid delivered to Ukraine, Pentagon says

Press Secretary Ryder noted that $7.1 billion are still available for more aid.

Nov 13, 2024 - 16:00

Over 80% of US artillery and 67% of air defense aid delivered to Ukraine, Pentagon says

over 80% us artillery 67% air defense aid delivered ukraine pentagon says press secretary force maj gen pat ryder holds briefing 12 november 2024

According to Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder, the United States has delivered a most of the military aid it has committed to providing Ukraine since the passage of supplemental funding earlier this year.

The US remains Ukraine’s largest donor, having provided more than $64.1 billion since Russia’s invasion in 2022, followed by Germany as Ukraine’s second-largest weapons supplier. The delayed aid delivery comes as Ukraine faces continued Russian military pressure and potential North Korean involvement in the war. Earlier, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy hinted that Ukraine might have received only 10% of the promised military aid. Meanwhile, The Pentagon pledged to utilize all available funds for Ukraine support by 20 January, the US President-elect’s inauguration day, when the new administration takes office.

In a press briefing on 12 November, Ryder stated that the US has already transferred 83% of the critical artillery munitions it had pledged, including 155 mm rounds, GMLRS rockets, and other ammunition. Additionally, the US has delivered 67% of the air defense capabilities it committed, such as Stinger and Hawk missiles, as well as 60% of the fire support systems, including small diameter bombs and 105 mm ammunition.

“We are going to continue to rush aid and use the funds that we have to ensure that Ukraine gets what it needs in order to deter and fight against Russian aggression,” Ryder said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation on the battlefield.

Ryder’s comment addressed a question on the total Ukraine assistance provided through Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) this year and confirmation of $7 billion still in the account.

“Right now what I’m tracking is we have a total of $7.1 billion in PDA. That includes the $4.3 billion for fiscal year 2024 plus the $2.8 billion that was recaptured with a 2.2 — $2.21 billion remaining in USAI,” the press secretary added.

The Pentagon spokesman also provided an overview of the total US security assistance delivered to Ukraine since the supplemental funding was approved. This includes hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of armored vehicles, and dozens of additional artillery systems, as well as significant air defense capabilities such as a Patriot battery.

“We understand the urgency of the situation, not because of politics but because of the situation on the battlefield. And we’re going to continue to do what we can to make sure that Ukraine has the aid that it needs,” Ryder added.

The Pentagon official also emphasized the close coordination between the US and Ukraine, stating that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had spoken with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to discuss the battlefield dynamics and the continued US support.

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