A quarterly report on Ukraine has been submitted to Congress by the Special Inspector General for Operation Atlantic Resolve (OAR). This report summarizes U.S. Government support to Ukraine for the first three months of 2025. It also outlines the broader response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine to include support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF), support to NATO partners, and other aspects of support.
The report, a PDF 118 pages long, covers January 1, 2025 to March 31, 2025. It covers activities of the Department of Defense, Department of State, and U.S. Agency for International Development that is tied to the Ukraine conflict. It was mandated by Congress by the National Defense Authorization Act for 2024.
There are five sections of the report as well as several appendixes:
- Executive Summary
- Mission Update
- Status of Funds
- Security Assistance
- Development and Humanitarian Assistance
Some Highlights of Report
Funding. Since February 2022, Congress has appropriate $184 billion for Operation Atlantic Resolve; with $34 billion remaining available for obligation.
Foreign Assistance Halted. On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order for an immediate 90-day pause on U.S. foreign assistance pending a review of all programs. This included State and USAID programs in Ukraine. In addition, the USAID mechanism for conducting third-party monitoring of development assistance programs was terminated.
Military Assistance Paused. On March 3, 2025, President Trump ordered a pause on military assistance to Ukraine. This was lifted on March 11, 2025. Training and advising missions by U.S. European Command (EUCOM) continued during this pause.
Ceasefire Talks. U.S. negotiators have had limited success in brokering an agreement to cease attacks on each other’s infrastructure. Thus far Russia has been hesitant to come to an agreement on various proposals advanced by the U.S.
Missiles and UAS Employment. For the most part, the Ukrainian and Russian forces have focused their attacks on critical energy and defense infrastructure. The targets include gas production, oil infrastructure, military sites, and aircraft manufacturing plants.
Manpower. Both the Ukrainians and Russia are experiencing manpower shortages. Russia is facing shortages in trained personnel due to high battlefield casualty rates. Ukraine, with a much smaller population base, also has challenges.
European Allies Increase Defense Spending. In March, the European Union (EU) announced plans to significantly increase defense spending. Germany has taken steps to increase its military from 180,000 to 230,000 personnel. The Baltic and Nordic countries are leading the way in increasing their defense expenditues as well as providing assistance to Ukraine.
**********
Operation Atlantic Resolve, Special Inspector General Report to the United States Congress, January – March 2025, PDF, 118 pages.
https://www.stateoig.gov/uploads/report/report_pdf_file/oar_q2_mar2025_final.pdf
Image: Ukraine Soldiers. Photo by Ukrainian MoD.
