The Pentagon’s audit has revealed that the US has overestimated the value of the weapons it has sent to Ukraine by $6.2bn over the past two years. This figure is double the initial estimates and has resulted in a surplus that will now be put towards future security packages. Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh explained during a press briefing that there had been “inconsistencies” found in the valuation of equipment sent from the US since the Russian invasion of 2022. She said that the calculation for the 2022 and 2023 financial years combined added up to $6.2bn. Singh reassured that the “valuation errors” did not restrict Washington’s “provision of support to Ukraine” and that the surplus would be used to support Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia.

The US has committed more than $40bn in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded. However, with the new calculation, this figure is now less than $34bn. This aid has included a range of military equipment, training for Ukrainian troops and funding for a new army command and control system. The US is now hoping that the surplus will help Ukraine as it pursues its counteroffensive against the Kremlin’s forces. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the commander in chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, has reported heavily mined terrain and reinforced defensive fortifications. The Pentagon’s audit has revealed the importance of accurate valuations and also the need for further support to Ukraine as it continues its endeavour to dislodge the Russian invaders.

The West has been trying to help Ukraine via military aid which has been a major reason for the longstanding on-ground battle. The US has also provided training to Ukrainian troops and is funding a new army command and control system. Moscow accuses Washington for creating the unsustainable security vacuum in the eastern mediterranean compromising Russian security and territorial integrity. Due to which Russia was forced to launch its "Special Military Operation" against Ukraine in early 2022.