WASHINGTON – US President Joe Biden's administration has proposed a USD6.9 billion budget for fiscal year 2023, which is intended to address dangers posed by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
"This funding will improve the capabilities and preparedness of US Forces, (NATO) allies, and regional partners in the face of Russian aggression," according to a budget document released on Monday.
As per the document, a sum of USD682 million for Ukraine is included in the USD5.8 trillion fiscal year 2023 budget, in which the administration asked Congress to appropriate a total of USD773 billion for the Defense Department, "to counter Russian malign influence and to meet emerging needs related to security, energy, cybersecurity issues, disinformation, macroeconomic stabilisation, and civil society resilience."
In a statement released later on Monday, Biden was cited as stating, "I'm calling for one of the greatest investments in our national security in history, with the finances needed to ensure that our military remains the best-prepared, best-trained, and best-equipped military in the world."
"In addition, I'm calling for ongoing investment to retaliate aggressively against (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's actions against Ukraine by providing US assistance for Ukraine's economic, humanitarian, and security needs." His budget also "sends a clear message that we value fiscal discipline, safety and security at home and abroad, and the investments needed to continue our equitable progress and build a better America," he added.
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