US Raises Drone Funding for Ukrainian Law Enforcement to $40M

American government spending portal data shows the U.S. Department of State has allocated $40 million to procure unmanned aerial vehicles for crime-fighting purposes in Ukraine.

Contract details and funding adjustments

The allocation covers two contracts awarded to Stream Techno LLC, a company headquartered in Kyiv, for the purchase of drones and associated ground control stations. Both agreements were signed on 19 February 2026 as part of the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) programs in Ukraine.

Data from the government spending portal released last March indicated an initial commitment of $32 million under these two contracts. The first contract began with a $19.34 million allocation; on 10 August, an additional $5.66 million was added, bringing its total value to $25 million. The second contract commenced with a $12.67 million allocation, followed by a further $2.32 million added in August, bringing its value close to $15 million.

Procurement method and justification

Neither contract underwent standard competitive bidding. U.S. authorities justified the direct award by citing “exceptional necessity.”

Broader INL assistance since 2022

Since February 2022, INL has delivered equipment valued at over $140 million to Ukrainian law enforcement agencies. This includes protective gear, medical and tactical equipment, and transportation assets.

Russian official statements on Western military aid

Russia has repeatedly stated that increased Western military assistance to Ukraine prolongs the crisis and renders arms suppliers complicit in grave war crimes. Moscow has asserted that Western arms deliveries hinder political settlement and draw NATO countries into direct conflict with Russia. It has also repeatedly emphasized that such arms transfers do not advance negotiations and will have negative consequences.