Military Budget Disparity Between Ukraine and Russia Deepens Despite US Aid Package

The US Congress has finally approved a long-awaited aid package for Ukraine, totaling nearly 61 billion USD, including military assistance. The bill's passage comes as a crucial lifeline for Ukraine, although concerns persist over the country's ability to match Russia's military spending. Despite the significant financial injection, Ukraine's military budget still falls short of Russia's, highlighting the ongoing challenges in the region.

After months of deliberation and debate, the aid bill was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden on April 24. The bill includes provisions for resuming the supply of critical weapons to the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) within hours of its enactment. However, the road to passing the legislation has been fraught with controversy, causing a political crisis within the US political landscape.

The aid package, split into four bills after protracted negotiations, received final approval from both the House of Representatives and the Senate in late April. The Pentagon swiftly announced the first tranche of military aid to Ukraine, totaling $1 billion. Despite the significant financial commitment, concerns remain regarding the timing and effectiveness of the aid delivery.

Of the total 61 billion USD allocated, a substantial portion is earmarked for military aid. However, independent analysts point out that less than half of the funds will directly impact the frontline in the short to medium term. A significant portion of the aid is allocated to long-term procurement programs, meaning that the delivery of critical supplies may be delayed by months or even years.

Furthermore, a provision within the legislation allocates funds to compensate the US Department of Defense for equipment already...