U.S. to announce another $725 million in military aid for Ukraine
The United States is preparing to announce a new $725 million arms package for Ukraine, drawn from existing U.S. military inventories. This package, which marks the 71st Presidential Drawdown Authority package, includes a second shipment of antipersonnel mines authorized by President Joe Biden, along with antitank, counter-drone, and other munitions, according to two officials familiar with the details.
This will be the largest drawdown package since April when the administration provided $1 billion in military aid. The antipersonnel mines included are battery-powered and designed to deactivate after a set period, reducing long-term risks. Officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of the official announcement, also highlighted that the package aims to address Ukraine's pressing needs.
Pentagon spokesman Major General Patrick Ryder told reporters Monday that a significant new security assistance package would be unveiled later that day, featuring air defense systems and additional munitions. However, he did not disclose the total value.
While the Department of Defense has the authority to issue up to $6.8 billion in aid from existing inventories, officials have expressed concerns about fully utilizing this allocation before Biden's term ends in January, citing the potential impact on U.S. military readiness. Addressing this, Ryder emphasized the urgency of Ukraine’s situation and the administration’s commitment to ensuring timely support.
The Biden administration is proceeding with military aid to Ukraine amid uncertainty regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s approach to U.S. support for Kyiv. Trump, who has pledged to end the war swiftly after taking office, has nominated retired General Keith Kellogg as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg has suggested the possibility of cutting off military aid to Ukraine but noted that Biden’s decision to allow Kyiv to use U.S.-made ATACMS missiles against targets in Russia could provide Trump with strategic leverage.
In addition to the drawdown, the White House last week requested $24 billion in supplemental security funding for Ukraine. This request includes $8 billion for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which facilitates long-term arms contracts with defense contractors, and $16 billion to replenish U.S. weapons stockpiles. However, this proposal faces significant hurdles in Congress, making its approval uncertain.
The $725 million figure for the upcoming drawdown was previously reported by Reuters and the Associated Press.