Luxembourg, the 28th of February 2022
US perspective on the current state of play between Russia and Ukraine
At this dark time for humanity, when the Russian government, without provocation or justification, has launched a brutal assault on Ukraine, an independent sovereign state, the United States, Luxembourg, and other Allies stand firm in support of Ukraine, in support of justice and democracy.
The United States and Ukraine have been partners since Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union more than 30 years ago. After Russia invaded and partially occupied Ukraine in 2014, the United States intensified efforts to help Ukraine deter further Russian aggression. As Ukraine now defends itself against Russia’s ruthless assault, the United States continues to provide vital security assistance. On February 25, President Biden delegated authority to Secretary of State Tony Blinken, who authorized deliveries of an additional $350 million of military assistance from Department of Defense inventories to Ukraine. This brings the total security assistance the United States has approved for Ukraine to $1 billion over the past year.
The U.S. is also focused on Ukraine’s urgent humanitarian needs as an important part of our response to Russia’s premeditated attack. Secretary Blinken announced the provision of nearly $54 million in humanitarian assistance to those affected by Russia’s further invasion. The United States is one of the largest humanitarian donors to Ukraine, and our humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities there now amounts to nearly $405 million since Russia invaded Ukraine eight years ago.
As President Biden has outlined, Putin will bear severe consequences for his choice of war and we, in coordination with allies and partners including Luxembourg, are imposing unprecedented costs on Russia, limiting its ability to participate in the global economy. Our response goes well beyond sanctions and export controls. We’re continuing to fortify NATO’s eastern flank to reinforce our sacred Article 5 commitment to defend every inch of NATO territory.
The United States stands with the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom. On behalf of my government, I am thankful to Luxembourg and all our Allies and partners that continue to provide vital assistance and support to Ukraine and its people. Together we demonstrate that values of democracy, liberty, and human dignity will endure the attempts of tyrannical oppression. Freedom will prevail.
-U.S. AMBASSADOR TO LUXEMBOURG, THOMAS BARRETT
