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Photo: https://ksf.openukraine.org/
The head of the Kyiv Security Forum (KSF), former Prime Minister of Ukraine (2014-16) Arseniy Yatsenyuk notes that out of approximately $200 billion in aid provided by the US to Ukraine, 70% of the funds remained in the United States itself.
“70% of these funds remained in the United States. We received weapons and ammunition from your warehouses. They were not new, but we are very grateful that we received this weaponry, as it enabled us to fight against Russia,” Yatsenyuk said in an interview with American blogger Laura Lumer.
She noted that these funds were not transferred directly “to a bank account” in Ukraine but were spent through Pentagon reserves to purchase weapons.
The head of the KSF emphasized that this aid also strengthened the American economy itself. “You increased military production volumes. You effectively replenished your military reserves. You created more jobs in your country, and I am convinced that you have become stronger,” he stated.
At the same time, Yatsenyuk stressed that Ukraine needs additional security support from the US based on the Lend-Lease principle from World War II. He expressed his conviction that such support would be beneficial to both sides, as it concerns a loan, not unconditional aid. “If you have the opportunity to speak with the President of the United States, convey to him that we are not just asking for money – we definitely need your support. If there is any chance to provide Ukraine with additional security support similar to the Lend-Lease program during World War II, we would be grateful. This concerns a loan, it is not simply unconditional aid,” he told Lumer.