U.S. Department of Defense: Ukraine is critical partner on front line of strategic competition with Russia

The U.S. Department of Defense says that Ukraine is a critical partner on the front line of strategic competition of the United States with Russia.

“This reaffirms the long-standing defense relationship between the United States and Ukraine – a critical partner on the front line of strategic competition with Russia. The United States remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders,” reads the statement of the U.S. Department of Defense on the approval of $ 250 million in the defense assistance package to Ukraine for the current financial year.

As noted, the assistance includes capabilities to enhance Ukraine’s defensive lethal capabilities and situational awareness in the maritime domain, air surveillance systems to monitor sovereign airspace, command and control and survivability of Ukraine’s Land and Special Operations Forces through the provision of counter-artillery radars and tactical equipment, military medical treatment and combat evacuation procedures, and cyber defense and strategic communications to counter Russian cyber offensive operations and misinformation.

“The United States remains committed to assisting Ukraine with the implementation of defense and anti-corruption reforms in line with Euro-Atlantic principles. These reforms will bolster Ukraine’s ability to defend its territorial integrity in support of a secure, prosperous, democratic, and free Ukraine,” the statement reads.

As reported, on Thursday, the U.S. Department of Defense announced the entire package of the U.S. security assistance to Ukraine for 2020 under Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) worth USD 250 mln, which was approved by the U.S. Congress.

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