Russian War in UkraineTIMELINE

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Ukrainian Minister of Defence Oleksii Reznikov to discuss regional security developments and dynamics on the ground in Ukraine. Secretary Austin reiterated unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine and discussed security assistance priorities to meet Ukraine's needs on the battlefield.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III makes remarks at the 13th Ukraine Defense Contact Group.

The Defense Department announced an additional security assistance package aimed at providing key capabilities to aid Ukraine's effort to regain territory and defend against Russia's unprovoked war of aggression. This authorization is the Biden Administration’s fortieth drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.

The Defense Department announced a new security assistance package, underscoring the unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine. This package, which totals up to $2.1 billion and includes critical air defense and ammunition capabilities, is being provided under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).

The Defense Department announced additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs. This authorization is the Biden Administration's 39th drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III provides opening remarks at a virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.

In Japan during a meeting of G7 leaders, including those from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom, President Joe Biden announced the U.S. will support an effort with partners and allies to train Ukrainian fighter pilots on the F-16 aircraft.

The Defense Department announced the arrival of 31 M1 Abrams training tanks to Grafenwoehr, Germany, in preparation for U.S.-led training of Ukrainian tank crews and maintainers before the tanks are sent to the front lines to arm Ukrainian forces against Russia's unprovoked war of aggression.

The Defense Department announced a new security assistance package to reaffirm the steadfast U.S. support for Ukraine, including to bolster its air defenses and sustain its artillery ammunition needs. This package, which totals up to $1.2 billion, is being provided under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).

The Defense Department announced additional security assistance to meet Ukraine’s critical security and defense needs. This authorization is the Biden Administration’s 37th drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021 and includes additional ammunition for U.S.-provided HIMARS, additional howitzers, artillery and mortar rounds and anti-armor capabilities that Ukraine is using to push back against Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression valued at up to $300 million.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov for a bilateral discussion in advance of the 11th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

The Defense Department announced critical new security assistance for Ukraine including the authorization of a presidential drawdown of security assistance with more ammunition for U.S.-provided HIMARS, artillery rounds and anti-armor capabilities essential to strengthening Ukraine’s defenders on the battlefield valued at up to $325 million. The presidential drawdown is the 36th such drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine that the Biden Administration has authorized since August 2021.

The Defense Department announced critical new security assistance for Ukraine including the authorization of a presidential drawdown of security assistance with more ammunition for U.S.-provided HIMARS, air defense interceptors, and artillery rounds that Ukraine uses to defend itself, as well as anti-armor systems, small arms, heavy equipment transport vehicles, and maintenance support essential to strengthening Ukraine’s defenders on the battlefield valued at up to $500 million. In addition, DOD announces a significant package of air defense capabilities, as well as artillery and tank ammunition, mortar systems, rockets, and anti-armor systems using $2.1 billion in Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds.

The Defense Department announced the U.S. will instead send M1A1 Abrams tanks from refurbished hulls already in U.S. inventory, and the delivery will be in the fall — faster than what was initially expected.

The Defense Department announced the authorization of a presidential drawdown of security assistance to meet Ukraine’s critical security and defense needs. This authorization is the 34th drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021 and is valued at up to $350 million.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Ukrainian Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov regarding priorities for the Ukraine Contact Defense Group on March 15. Secretary Austin provided an update of U.S. security assistance efforts, and Minister Reznikov detailed recent developments on the ground in Ukraine.

The Defense Department announced the authorization of a presidential drawdown of security assistance to meet Ukraine’s critical security and defense needs. This package featured more ammunition and support equipment for Ukraine’s precision fires, artillery and armored vehicle operations. This authorization is the Biden administration’s 33rd drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021 and is valued at up to $400 million.

On the one year anniversary of Russia’s unprovoked and indefensible invasion of its peaceful and democratic neighbor Ukraine, the Biden Administration announced additional security assistance for Ukraine totaling $2 billion.

The Defense Department announced a new security assistance package to reaffirm the steadfast support of the United States for Ukraine’s brave defenders and strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses. This package, which totaled $2 billion, was provided under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative as part of the commitment to Ukraine’s long-term security.

Specifically, the United States committed additional unmanned aerial systems and counter-UAS and electronic warfare detection equipment, as well as critical ammunition stocks for artillery and precision fires capabilities that will bolster Ukraine’s ability to repel Russian aggression.

The Defense Department announced the authorization of a presidential drawdown of security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs. This authorization includes more ammunition for U.S.-provided HIMARS and Howitzers that Ukraine is using to defend its country as well as more Javelins, anti-armor systems and air surveillance radars. This is the Biden administration's 32nd drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021 and it is valued at up to $460 million.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III travels to Brussels to conduct an in-person meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. This was the ninth meeting of the UDCG since the international group was formed in April 2022.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone with Ukrainian Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov regarding priorities for the upcoming Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) in Brussels, including air defense and artillery.

DOD announces a significant new package of security assistance for Ukraine, including the authorization of a presidential drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $425 million, as well as $1.75 billion in Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone with Ukrainian Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov to discuss the U.S. commitment of Abrams tanks. The two leaders also followed up on the previous week's Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which produced an unprecedented level of donations from allies and partners. Secretary Austin and Minister Reznikov also discussed the situation on the ground in Ukraine.

DOD announces the procurement of Abrams tanks for Ukraine via the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) to support Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. This USAI package underscores the continued U.S. commitment to building the capacity of Ukraine’s armed forces, now and into the future. This $400 million USAI package represents the beginning of a contracting process to provide additional capabilities to Ukraine.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III travels to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to conduct an in-person meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. This was the eighth meeting of the UDCG and the fifth in-person session since the international group was formed in April 2022. They joined ministers of defense and chiefs of defense from nearly 50 nations from around the world to discuss Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, and the continued close coordination to provide the Ukrainian people with the means necessary to defend their sovereign territory.

DOD announces the authorization of a presidential drawdown of security assistance to meet Ukraine’s critical security and defense needs. This authorization, which is valued at up to $2.5 billion, is the Biden administration’s 30th drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.

DOD announces the Biden administration’s commitment of $3.075 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine. This includes the authorization of a presidential drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $2.85 billion to meet Ukraine’s critical security and defense needs, as well as the Department of State’s announcement of $225 million in Foreign Military Financing to contribute to the long-term capacity and modernization of Ukraine’s military. This presidential drawdown is the 29th drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine that the Biden administration has authorized since August 2021.

DOD welcomes Germany’s commitment to join the United States in supporting Ukraine’s urgent requirement for air defense capabilities by also supplying one Patriot air defense battery to Ukraine.

The Department of State also announces $682 million in additional Foreign Military Financing to incentivize and backfill donations of military equipment to Ukraine by allies and partners.

DOD announces $1.85 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine. This includes the authorization of a presidential drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $1 billion, as well as $850 million in Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds. The presidential drawdown is the 28th drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine that the Biden administration has authorized since August 2021.

DOD announces the authorization of a presidential drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $275 million to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs. This authorization is the Biden administration's 27th drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.

DOD announces the authorization of a presidential drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $400 million to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs. This authorization is the Biden administration's 26th drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III virtually hosts the 7th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting from Washington, D.C., with representatives from more than 50 countries and organizations.

DOD announces the authorization of a presidential drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $400 million to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs. This authorization is the Biden administration's 25th drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.

Ukraine has received its first National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) delivery. Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed reporting in a Nov. 8 press briefing.

DOD announces approximately $400 million in additional security assistance for Ukraine under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). This announcement represents the beginning of a contracting process to provide additional priority capabilities to Ukraine.

The Biden administration announces the authorization of a presidential drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $275 million to meet Ukraine’s critical security and defense needs. This authorization is the Biden administration’s 24th drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.

The Biden administration announces the authorization of a presidential drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $725 million to meet Ukraine’s critical security and defense needs. This authorization is the Biden administration’s 23rd drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosts the 6th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Brussels.

The Biden administration announces $625 million in additional security assistance for Ukraine. This is the 22nd drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.

DOD announces approximately $1.1 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). This USAI package underscores the U.S. commitment to continuing to support Ukraine over the long term. It represents a multiyear investment in critical capabilities to build the enduring strength of Ukraine’s Armed Forces as it continues to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and territory in the face of Russian aggression.

The Biden administration announces $600 million in additional security assistance for Ukraine. This is the 21st drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosts the 5th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. the Biden administration announces $675 million in additional security assistance for Ukraine. This is the 20th drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021. In addition, State Department notified Congress of our intent to make $2 billion available in long-term investments in Foreign Military Financing: $1 billion to bolster the security of Ukraine and $1 billion for 18 of Ukraine’s regional neighbors.

DOD announces approximately $3 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). This USAI package, announced on Ukraine’s Independence Day, underscores the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine over the long term – representing multiyear investments to build the enduring strength of Ukraine’s Armed Forces as it continues to defend its sovereignty in the face of Russian aggression. This announcement represents the beginning of a contracting process to provide additional priority capabilities to Ukraine in the mid- and long-term to ensure Ukraine can continue to defend itself as an independent, sovereign and prosperous state. It is the biggest tranche of security assistance for Ukraine to date.

The Biden administration announces $775 million in additional security assistance for Ukraine. This is the 19th drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.

The Biden administration announces $1 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine. It is the largest single drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment utilizing this authority, and this package provides a significant amount of additional ammunition, weapons and equipment.

The Biden administration announces $550 million in additional security assistance for Ukraine. This is the 17th drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.

The Biden administration announces $270 million in additional security assistance for Ukraine. This includes a presidential drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $175 million, as well as $95 million in Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds. This is the 16th drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III virtually hosts the fourth Ukraine Contact Group meeting, with participation by ministers and chiefs of defense from some 50 countries.

The Biden administration announces $400 million in additional security assistance for Ukraine. This is the 15th drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.

The Biden administration announces $820 million in additional security assistance for Ukraine. This includes an authorization of a Presidential Drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $50 million, as well as $770 million in Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds. The is the 14th drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine that the Biden administration has authorized since August 2021. Under USAI, the DOD will provide Ukraine with critical capabilities to defend against Russian aggression.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III joins President Joe Biden at the NATO Summit in Madrid. Biden announces additional long-term commitments to bolster European security.

The Biden administration authorizes a 13th presidential drawdown of security assistance to Ukraine valued at up to $450 million.

The Biden Administration announces $1 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine. This includes a 12th Presidential Drawdown of security assistance values at up to $350 million, as well at $650 million in Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosts the third Ukraine Contact Group in Brussels, Belgium, where more than 50 countries participated to discuss security assistance, generating new announcements of donations.

The Biden administration authorizes an 11th presidential drawdown of security assistance to Ukraine valued at up to $700 million. This was the first PDA to include High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS).

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III virtually hosts the second Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting to coordinate aid to help Ukraine defend itself from the unprovoked Russian invasion. Representatives from more than 40 nations, NATO and the European Union virtually joined the meeting.

The Biden administration authorizes a 10th presidential drawdown of security assistance to Ukraine valued at up to $100 million.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III orders the deployment of about 10,500 personnel in the coming months to replace Army units ordered to the region in advance of, and in the wake of the Feb. 24, 2022, Russian invasion of Ukraine. These deployments are one-for-one unit replacements, which leaves our overall force posture in the region — approximately 100,000 — unchanged. The units being replaced will return to their home stations following a proper turnover of responsibilities.

Congress passes the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022 — which is signed by President Joe Biden — to provide the United States with a critical additional tool to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s unprovoked invasion. It also provides the United States with the ability to lend or lease defense articles to other Eastern European countries that have been affected by Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

The Biden administration authorizes a ninth presidential drawdown of security assistance to Ukraine valued at up to $150 million.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosts the first Ukraine Defense Contact Group Meeting in Germany.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III visit Kyiv, Ukraine, and meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian leaders. They discussed America’s stalwart support for the Ukrainian government and Ukrainian people, including through our significant assistance to Ukraine’s security, governance, economic and humanitarian needs.

The Biden administration authorizes an eighth presidential drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $800 million tailored to meet critical Ukrainian needs for today’s fight as Russian forces launch a renewed offensive in eastern Ukraine.

The Biden administration authorizes a seventh presidential drawdown of Ukraine security assistance valued at up to $800 million. This package included the first 11 Mi-17 helicopters.

The Biden administration authorizes a sixth presidential drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $100 million to meet an urgent Ukrainian need for additional Javelin anti-armor systems.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III speaks with Ukrainian Minister of Defence Oleksii Reznikov to affirm unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine and to discuss the changing dynamics on the battlefield.

DOD notifies Congress of additional assistance activities under authority provided by the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). Through USAI, DOD will provide up to $300 million in security assistance to bolster Ukraine’s capacity to defend itself. This package included Switchblade unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III orders the deployment of six U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler aircraft from VAQ-134 based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.

The Biden administration announces $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine, including direct transfers of Defense Department equipment to the Ukrainian military.

The Biden administration approves $200 million security assistance package to support Ukraine’s defense, including providing capabilities to address airborne and armored threats.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III orders deployment of an additional 500 U.S. military personnel to locations across Europe, bringing the total number of U.S. military personnel permanently stationed in, or deployed to Europe to 100,000.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Tod D. Wolters, commander, U.S. European Command and NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe announces the activation of the NATO Response Force.

The Biden administration authorizes $350 million in military assistance from Defense Department inventories.

Russia invades Ukraine. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III orders deployment of 7,000 U.S. military personnel and key enablers to locations across Europe.