US to send $1.25 billion in weapons to Ukraine
The United States plans to announce a $1.25 billion military aid package for Ukraine, U.S. officials revealed on Friday. The Biden administration is working to deliver as much support as possible to Kyiv before leaving office on January 20.
The package includes significant munitions for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and the HAWK air defense system, as well as Stinger missiles and 155 mm and 105 mm artillery rounds, according to officials familiar with the details. The announcement is expected on Monday, though the officials spoke on condition of anonymity since the details have not yet been made public.
This aid comes amid a series of Russian missile and drone attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Ukraine has reported successfully intercepting many of the attacks. Meanwhile, fierce fighting continues in the Russian border region of Kursk, where Moscow has reportedly deployed thousands of North Korean troops to assist in reclaiming territory lost to Ukraine.
Earlier this month, senior U.S. defense officials acknowledged challenges in sending the remaining $5.6 billion in Pentagon weapons and equipment funding approved by Congress for Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The new assistance package will be delivered under presidential drawdown authority, allowing the Pentagon to send weapons directly from its stockpiles to Ukraine. This will leave approximately $4.35 billion in drawdown funds remaining. Additionally, $1.2 billion is available in long-term funding through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which funds weapons contracts for future delivery. Officials expect to release all of that funding before the end of the year.
If confirmed, the new aid package will bring the total U.S. security assistance for Ukraine to over $64 billion since Russia's invasion in February 2022.
President-elect Trump has signaled interest in pursuing a negotiated settlement between Ukraine and Russia and has spoken positively about his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Some U.S. and European leaders are concerned that Trump’s approach could result in a deal unfavorable to Ukraine and a reduction in U.S. weapons funding for Kyiv.
Officials hope this latest influx of aid will strengthen Ukraine’s position in any potential negotiations led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. While the U.S. is committed to providing support until January 20, there may still be unspent funds available for the incoming administration to allocate.