Message from the Special Inspector General (IG)
The U.S. Government has responded to Russia’s illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine with a $174.2 billion national-level effort to help Ukraine defend its sovereign territory, bolster the NATO alliance in Eastern Europe, support an enhanced U.S. military presence in the region, and provide direct budget, development, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. The Special IG for Operation Atlantic Resolve is responsible for ensuring whole-of-government oversight and transparency of this multi-faceted and resource-intensive effort. In January 2024, I traveled to Ukraine and other nations in the region with my counterparts from State OIG and USAID OIG to obtain a first-hand update from U.S. and Ukrainian officials. We visited several organizations that receive U.S. assistance— including a health clinic and a power plant—and an enhanced end-use monitoring transfer site. In meetings with senior officials, my colleagues and I expressed the importance of accountability and transparency of U.S. assistance. The Ukrainian officials with whom we met agreed to notify OIG personnel— including our staff at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv—if there was any hint of fraud or abuse. In March, we launched UkraineOversight.gov, a new website to provide the public with comprehensive access to a wide range of information regarding the robust interagency oversight effort. The website will be updated regularly with the latest news and reports regarding the independent oversight of the U.S. Ukraine response from the OIGs for the DoD, State, and USAID, the GAO, and the other members of the Ukraine Oversight Interagency Working Group. As detailed in this quarterly report, conducting oversight in the midst of an intense wartime environment is a challenge our offices have risen to meet. We will continue to report quarterly on the status of OAR and the Ukraine response, other U.S. Government activity in Europe, and efforts to counter Russian aggression. I would like to thank all of the women and men who make this oversight effort possible, especially those stationed in and near Ukraine.
This second quarterly report submitted by the Special Inspector General for Operation Atlantic Resolve (OAR) summarizes U.S. Government support to Ukraine and the broader response to Russia’s full-scale invasion, including support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF), support for NATO partners, and U.S. military, diplomatic, and humanitarian activity.
Russian Forces Made Incremental Gains Along a Mostly Static Front Line
- The Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) withdrew from the industrial town of Avdiivka after months of heavy fighting.
- Russian forces targeted economic and energy infrastructure in Ukraine.
- Russian forces committed war crimes, including the deportation and reeducation of Ukrainian children.
- The UAF sank several Russian warships with unmanned surface vessels and hit Russian oil and gas facilities with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
- President Zelenskyy dismissed his top military commander amid increased tensions between the two men.
- Ukraine lowered its conscription age, potentially providing 50,000 new troops for the UAF.
Training and Equipping Efforts Continue
- U.S. and Danish training aims to have Ukrainian F-16 pilots ready by summer 2024.
- Advisors train UAF personnel to serve as instructors and increase self-sufficiency.
- Advisors work to build Ukrainian maintenance capability, but major repairs still require that equipment be sent out of country.
- International partners established capability coalitions to build the UAF’s long-term fighting ability.
- State provided training and equipment to investigate and prosecute war criminals and human rights violators.
14.6M Ukrainians—Half the Country—Need Humanitarian Assistance
- Since Feb. 2022, USAID has provided over $2 billion in humanitarian assistance in Ukraine.
- USAID released new guidance and precautions for aid workers in Ukraine.
- USAID has directed resources to respond to Russian attacks on energy and healthcare infrastructure.
Uncertain Funding Created Challenges for U.S. and Ukrainian Militaries
- The first new Ukraine assistance bill in 16 months was enacted on April 24.
- The DoD had begun to reduce its support for Ukraine prior to the enactment of new funding.
- The DoD sent $10 billion worth of weapons to the UAF that it did not have the funds to replace.
- UAF troops reported rationing ammunition due to limited supply.
Corruption Remains a Persistent Challenge for the Ukrainian Government
- Perception of corruption in Ukraine has declined significantly since 2013, but it still remains one of the least accountable governments in Europe.
- The war has created new opportunities for bribes, kickbacks, and inflated procurement costs.
- The U.S. provided technical assistance and training to Ukrainian investigators and prosecutors.
- Ukraine’s anticorruption institutions investigated and arrested government officials and legislators for bribery and embezzlement.
OAR Oversight is Enhancing Transparency
- The Special IG launched UkraineOversight.gov to make comprehensive information about OAR more accessible to the public.
- Special IG and partner agency reports found:
- The Navy over-spent funds for Ukraine.
- U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) had limited oversight of equipment transported to Ukraine by rail.
- USAID did not verify the accuracy of Ukrainian salaries being reimbursed with U.S. funds.
- State’s risk assessments and monitoring for security assistance programs need improvement.
Additional Information
Agency Contact
For more information, visit the following agency websites related to Ukraine: