What’s included in the $60.8 billion Ukraine aid package?

The New Voice of Ukraine
·3 min read
US Congress
US Congress

This week, the U.S. Senate is slated to consider a series of bills, one of which earmarks $60.8 billion in aid for Ukraine, Oksana Markarova, Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States wrote on Facebook on April 17.

The package was introduced by key figures on the House Appropriations Committee: Chairman Tom Cole, Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert, and State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart.

The proposed allocation includes $49.9 billion for defense, targeting various needs:

Read also: US announces first Ukraine military aid package since late 2023

  • $23.2 billion to replenish defense goods and services supplied to Ukraine.

  • $11.3 billion for ongoing U.S. military operations in the region.

  • $13.8 billion to acquire modern defense systems.

  • $1.6 billion in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) for Ukraine and other regional allies.

Additionally, Markarova highlighted other significant provisions:

Read also: U.S. House Intelligence Committee urges House to approve Ukraine aid bill immediately

  • $26 million to oversee and ensure accountability for the aid and equipment sent to Ukraine.

  • $5 million for the State Department to manage defense assistance.

  • $300 million to enhance Ukraine’s border security and legal governance.

  • $100 million to support demining, counterterrorism, and anti-proliferation efforts.

  • $9.5 billion for economic support to Ukraine and nations impacted by Russia's invasion.

  • $7.849 billion specifically for Ukraine's economic needs (excluding pension reimbursements).

  • $1.575 billion for various economic assistance measures.

  • $25 million for the USAID Office of Transition Initiatives.

  • $50 million to address the global food security crisis.

The package also includes:

  • $149 million for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration in response to nuclear threats in Ukraine.

  • $481 million for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to assist Ukrainians holding humanitarian passports under the U4U program.

Markarova emphasized that the bill also proposes additional funds to bolster diplomatic and aid efforts, including:

  • $60 million for diplomatic programs

  • $8 million for diplomatic programs for the State Department's Office of Inspector General

  • $39 million for USAID operating expenses

  • $10 million dollars for Office of USAID Inspector General

  • $ 98 million for U.S. Department of Energy for purchase of radioactive isotopes, development and production.

Text of published bills also states that the United States will strengthen oversight through monitoring requirements, and will require partners and allies to provide assistance commensurate with the costs. In addition, it is envisaged to conclude an agreement with the government of Ukraine on return of funds provided for economic support and increase the limits under the PDA mechanism.

According to Markarova, vote on these bills is expected to be on April 20.

"We are not waiting, but continue to work actively with our colleagues in Congress," Markarova wrote.

US aid for Ukraine struggle

U.S. Senate approved a bill providing $95 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, with $60 billion specifically allocated for Ukraine.

However, House Speaker Mike Johnson has been critical of bill and has not submitted it for consideration.

Speakers from 23 parliaments and head of the European Parliament called on Johnson to bring bill to the floor, but he insisted that aid to Ukraine should not be considered until the U.S. government receives funding on Feb. 28.

Read also: Mike Johnson unveils separate aid plans for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan

House of Representatives approved a package of bills worth $1.2 trillion to fund government agencies on March 22.

The following day, Senate passed package, and President Biden signed it while urging the House of Representatives to pass a bill supporting Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

Republican Congressman Don Bacon indicated that bill to aid Ukraine would be put to a vote in House of Representatives after Easter recess.

House Speaker Johnson announced on April 17 that Ukraine funding bill would be voted on April 20, and the bill itself was published, providing $60 billion and ATACMS missiles for Ukraine.

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