Joe Biden Administration Races to Bolster Ukraine’s Defenses with Nearly $1 Billion in Military Aid Amid Concerns of Policy Shifts Under Incoming Trump Administration
The United States has announced a $988 million military aid package for Ukraine, the Pentagon revealed on Dec. 7. This latest tranche of assistance comes as the Joe Biden administration moves swiftly to deliver the remaining $5 billion in military aid to Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office on Jan. 20.
Urgency Amid Policy Uncertainty
The expedited delivery reflects concerns that a Trump administration might halt further weapons shipments to Kyiv. Trump has previously signaled he would suspend military aid unless Ukraine engages in peace talks with Russia.
According to Politico, White House officials are prioritizing the transfer of weapons ahead of the January inauguration to ensure the aid reaches Ukraine before any policy shift.
What’s in the Package?
The new aid package includes ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and additional drones. The Pentagon highlighted that it also covers critical support for maintaining and repairing Ukraine’s artillery systems, tanks, and armored vehicles.
“This package also includes support for maintenance and repair programs to help Ukraine reconstitute its forces and build and sustain combat power,”
the Pentagon stated.
The aid will be sourced from the remaining $2 billion in the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, a program that funds weapons through contracts with U.S. defense companies.
Shift in Aid Delivery
The announcement marks a departure from the Biden administration’s recent reliance on the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), which allows the U.S. to send weapons directly from its stockpiles in emergencies. Previous PDA packages ranged between $125 million and $250 million, with approximately $4 billion to $5 billion still authorized by Congress.
Preparing for a Harsh Winter
This aid package follows a $725 million PDA delivery announced on Dec. 2, which included Stinger missiles, HIMARS, artillery ammunition, drones, and landmines.
The urgency is heightened as Ukraine faces another challenging winter amid intensified Russian attacks on its infrastructure. Meanwhile, reports indicate North Korean troops have been deployed to support Russia’s ongoing invasion.
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