In a press conference following the Ukraine Defense Contact Group Meeting, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Milley stated, "The world has a significant stake in the outcome of what happens in Ukraine." The so-called rules-based international order, which has been in place since the end of World War II to prevent great power wars and large powers from using military force to conquer smaller countries, is at stake."
"Ukraine is under attack." They are at war, and we will continue to back them up. However, the international order based on rules is also under threat as a result of Russia's actions in Ukraine. The international community will not let Russia's unambiguous act of aggression go unpunished. "To do so risks returning the world to a time when large powerful countries could invade smaller countries at will," he continued.
In May, the U.S. Congress approved $40 billion to provide additional security assistance, economic and humanitarian support for Ukraine, and on June 1st, President Biden authorized an additional $700 million to meet Ukraine's critical needs for today's fight, and that included HIMARS rocket systems with guided MLRS munitions. This package also included Javelins, helicopters and counter-battery radars and ammunition, and I'm especially pleased to be able to announce today that the United States will provide an additional $1 billion security assistance package for Ukraine, and that includes our 12th drawdown from DOD inventory since August of 2021, and it includes guided MLRS munitions, 18 more M777 howitzers and the tactical vehicles to tow them, and 36,000 rounds of 155mm ammunition. This package also includes $650 million in Ukraine security assistance initiative funds, and that will help Ukraine defend itself with two additional Harpoon coastal defense systems and thousands of secure radios and night vision devices and thermal sights and other optics.