Draft U.S. budget 2023 provides almost $7 bln to counter Russia

The draft U.S. budget for fiscal year 2023 includes the allocation of $6.9 billion to help Ukraine, NATO and European security.

"The Budget includes $6.9 billion for the European Deterrence Initiative, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and countering Russian aggression to support Ukraine, the United States’ strong partnerships with NATO allies, and other European partner states by bolstering funding to enhance the capabilities and readiness of U.S. Forces, NATO allies, and regional partners in the face of Russian aggression," the statement reads.

"In addition, the Budget provides nearly $1 billion in assistance to Ukraine for State Department, USAID, and Department of Defense to counter Russian malign influence and to meet emerging needs related to security, energy, cyber security issues, disinformation, macroeconomic stabilization, and civil society resilience," The White House added.

Only $400 million will be allocated for the Countering the People’s Republic of China Malign Influence Fund.

"To support American leadership in defending democracy, freedom, and security worldwide, the Budget includes nearly $1.8 billion for the State Department and USAID to support a free and open, connected, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific Region and the Indo-Pacific Strategy," the statement says.

This fiscal year always starts on Oct. 1 and ends on Sep. 30 of the following year.