Biden to announce final $500 million in Ukraine aid

The Biden administration is drawing from existing U.S. stockpiles to bolster Ukraine’s position before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the plans.

The announcement is expected to coincide with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s final trip to meet the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a coalition of roughly 50 partner nations formed to coordinate military aid following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Thursday’s meeting marks the group’s 25th gathering and could be its last under U.S. leadership, as member nations await clarity on whether the initiative will continue under the incoming Trump administration.

“Our focus will be on maintaining momentum, delivering results, and sending a clear message: The international community stands resolute in its support for Ukraine,” Austin told reporters traveling with him.

The latest weapons package will be funded through presidential drawdown authority, which allows the U.S. to send equipment directly from its stockpiles. A senior defense official accompanying Austin said the aim is to ensure the munitions reach Ukraine before the month’s end.

Since the war began nearly three years ago, the U.S. has provided approximately $66.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine. The remaining congressionally authorized funding for Ukraine stands at just under $4 billion, much of which will be left for the Trump administration to decide whether to allocate for continued support.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity as the details have not yet been publicly disclosed, emphasized the urgency of delivering assistance.

The Ukraine Defense Contact Group, established early in the war, has been pivotal in aligning international support for Kyiv. Its future remains uncertain as the transition to a new U.S. administration approaches.