Biden administration prepares new $375 million military aid package for Ukraine
Фото: AP
The White House is preparing a new military aid package for Ukraine valued at $375 million, which could be announced as early as next week.
Reuters reports, citing anonymous U.S. officials.
The aid package is expected to include:
- patrol boats,
- additional ammunition for HIMARS,
- 155mm and 105mm caliber artillery ammunition,
- Western parts and other weapons.
However, the content and size of the package may change in the coming days before President Joe Biden finalizes it.
Reuters highlights that since May 2024, the US has not sent an aid package to Ukraine exceeding $275 million. Notably, after Ukrainian forces began operations in Russia's Kursk region, the US sent two smaller aid packages of $125 million each.
It is important to note that the US has $5.5 billion remaining under the Presidential Drawdown Authority for military aid to Ukraine, but this authority expires at the end of this month. Pro-Ukrainian leaders in Congress and the Biden administration are working to extend it for another year.
The White House has requested that continued funding be included in a continuing resolution proposed by House Speaker Mike Johnson. Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder clarified that $5.9 billion remains in the drawdown authority, but all but $100 million of it must be used before the fiscal year ends.
A congressional aide mentioned that without additional funding, the Biden administration could announce $5.8 billion in military aid to Ukraine by October 1st, with the rest of the year to deliver the equipment. However, this option is seen as less favorable.
In April, President Biden signed a law authorizing over $60 billion for Ukraine's support, with more than $6 billion still unused as of September. These funds must be allocated for military aid by the end of the month, or they could be lost.
President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to visit the US next week, where he will attend key meetings and present his "victory plan" to President Biden, Kamala Harris, and Donald Trump.
