U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) announced that as a result of President Biden signing the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law, the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative has been extended through 2022 and its funding has been increased from $250 million to $300 million per year, with at least $75 million specifically for lethal assistance. These funds will be used to help train, equip, and provide support for the Ukrainian government in their effort to defend their territory and autonomy against ongoing Russian aggression. On Christmas Eve, Senators Portman and Shaheen, along with more than 20 members of the House and Senate, held a video conference call with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the security situation in the country:
“As I reiterated to President Zelenskyy during our bipartisan discussion last week, this increase in security aid underscores our U.S. commitment to helping our ally Ukraine. The Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative provides critical support for Ukraine in defending its sovereign territory – on the land, sea, and air,” said Senator Portman. “I’m proud to have led the effort in Congress to secure this crucial funding and will continue to work with Senator Shaheen and my colleagues in Congress to ensure the United States continues to stand with Ukraine in their fight to secure a democratic, prosperous, and independent future.”
“There is clearly bipartisan determination in Congress to support Ukraine against Russian provocation and aggression,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m pleased the annual defense bill signed into law includes this assistance to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities, making good on the U.S.’ promise to support our partners and hold the Kremlin to account. As we made clear in our call with President Zelenskyy last week, the U.S. stands with Ukraine and supports efforts to defend its sovereignty.”
For the past five years, Portman successfully championed language in the annual NDAA that expanded U.S. military aid to Ukraine, while strongly encouraging the Ukrainian government to continue their efforts in eliminating corruption and continuing with much needed security sector reforms. These provisions helped build the primary statutory framework for U.S. security assistance to Ukraine, the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. In addition, he has repeatedly written letters, delivered multiple floor speeches, and pressed senior administration officials on the importance of providing meaningful assistance to help Ukraine stand up to Russia’s military aggression, and has pressed successive administrations to provide lethal assistance to the country.
For his efforts to support Ukraine, Portman was recognized with the Order Of St. Volodymyr Medal from Ukrainian Patriarch Filaret. Senator Portman has also received the Order of Merit from former President Petro Poroshenko during his visit to Ukraine in 2018 and the Ukrainian-American community’s highest honor in 2016, the Shevchenko Freedom Award
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