On June 11, in accordance with the recommendations of the U.S. Department of Defence, the U.S. Congress approved a $250 million security assistance package to Ukraine for FY2020 under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) program. This decision is recognition by the United States that Ukraine continues to successfully reform the security and defense sector, in line with European and Euro-Atlantic integration goals and NATO standards.

Security assistance is important evidence of the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States.

This year's security assistance package provides various means of surveillance, counter-artillery fire, vehicles, medical equipment, cybersecurity systems and countering Russian propaganda, etc. to our state. Support of the Ukrainian Navy is an important part of the assistance, which should contribute to the establishment of stability and security in the Azov and the Black Sea regions.

The funds provided are aimed at strengthening the combat capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to counter Russian aggression, save the lives and health of Ukrainian soldiers who defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state.

The Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Ukraine are sincerely grateful to American partners for their consistent support of the reform process in Ukraine, as well as strengthening of our country's defense capabilities during ongoing Russian aggression. Reforming the security and defense sector, bringing it closer to NATO standards and achieving maximum interoperability with Allied forces remains one of the top priorities of the Government of Ukraine.