"We have close cooperation with states, including member states of the [North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)] alliance. Last year’s aid amounted to more than $100 million, this year it is planned at around $300 million," Poltorak said.
Under a 2016 defense budget signed by US President Barack Obama last November, Ukraine is set to receive $300 million in military assistance this year. The Ukrainian Embassy in the United States said in December that Washington had increased its assistance to $658.1 million, including logistical support, training and defense weapons deliveries.
"There is an understanding from our partners, and I hope that this help will come to us in a timely manner," Poltorak told lawmakers, acknowledging the shortage among countries willing to sell military equipment to Ukraine.
The United States has been assisting Ukraine with economic and non-lethal military aid following the 2014 political crisis and Crimea’s referendum to reunite with Russia. It has ruled out delivering lethal weapons to Ukraine on grounds that Kiev is capable of manufacturing lethal equipment independently.
