Biden administration to request new aid package for Ukraine in Congress
The current US administration intends to request additional funding for Ukraine for the 2025 fiscal year during the transition period, according to Jake Sullivan, President Biden's National Security Advisor.
Sullivan's remarks were reported by Rubryka, citing Ukrinform.
"Over the next two months, the administration will signal to Congress that we would like to secure additional funds for Ukraine in 2025, so that Ukraine can achieve the best and strongest possible negotiating position," Sullivan stated.
While he did not specify the form in which the administration plans to propose this funding to Congress, Sullivan emphasized that Biden's team sees it as both necessary and logical to seek these additional resources to bolster support for Ukraine. He also assured that the current US government is committed to fully utilizing every dollar Congress has already allocated to aid Ukraine.
"These are not dollars simply flying across the ocean. These funds are invested in the American defense and industrial base," Sullivan added.
Sullivan clarified that much of the allocated aid for Ukraine is directed toward the creation of new weaponry, which is ultimately returned to the U.S. military to replenish stocks used in aid to Ukraine.
Additionally, during a recent meeting with President-elect Donald Trump, President Biden emphasized the importance of continued support for Ukraine, highlighting how it aligns with US national security interests.
What is known about the latest funds for military aid to Ukraine
The White House is working to expedite the delivery of remaining military aid to Ukraine, given concerns that the incoming Trump administration might halt previously authorized support.
However, a significant challenge lies in the availability of ready-to-deploy weapons from the Pentagon's current stockpiles. Although funds are allocated to reimburse the Defense Department for aid already sent to Ukraine, the production timeline for critical items like artillery shells remains a key issue.
Of the original $61 billion approved in April, $6 billion is left to be distributed. This remaining amount is divided as follows: $4.3 billion is designated to replenish the U.S. military's stockpiles, and $2.1 billion will go toward contracts with American defense companies to manufacture and supply new equipment for Ukraine.
According to the US Department of Defense, approximately $9.3 billion remains allocated for Ukraine's military support in total, which should continue through the coming months as resources are replenished and new contracts are fulfilled.
