thing. the pentagon briefing has begun, let s go there. the pentagon for a variety of reasons our normal call-in options will not be available, for those that have had to call in, we apologize. we will get it up as quickly as possible for reporting purposes and answer questions from the dod press desk. moving forward we ll look at ways to improve briefing operations and expect regular press briefings will resume in the press briefing room in middle to late may. we appreciate your patience and extend our thanks to department of air force for using airmen s hall for temporary briefing home. secretary austin returned yesterday from a productive series of meetings in the republic of korea in the philippines, the secretary and his counterpart reaffirmed measures for deterrence on the korean peninsula, and pledge to closely cooperate regarding assets in the future, as well as further expand and bolster level and scale of combined exercises and training. in the philippines, secret
of security assistance valued at $25 million and 1.75 billion in ukraine security assistance initiative funds. presidential drawdown is 31st drawdown of equipment for ukraine. in total, the u.s. committed $32 billion in security assi assistantance to ukraine and 29.3 billion since russia unprovoked and illegal invasion one year ago this month. today announcement includes air defense capabilities to help ukraine defend their people and armored vehicles and more equipment ukraine is using to effectively javelin anti-tank missile, ammunition and long-range rocket for u.s. provided high mars. additional information can be found on defense.gov. regarding the balloon, not much