US Announces $500M in Military Aid to Ukraine

In a significant move, the Biden-Harris administration has announced an additional $500 million in military aid to Ukraine, just days before President Joe Biden's term in office comes to an end. The new package, which includes a range of military equipment and supplies, is intended to support Ukraine's ongoing efforts to defend itself against Russian aggression.

According to a press release issued by the US Defense Department, the additional military assistance includes armored bridging systems, communications equipment, small arms and ammunition, support equipment for F-16s, air-to-ground munitions, and various types of missiles. The aid package, which is valued at approximately $500 million, will be provided through the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA).

The announcement of the new aid package came as Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. During the meeting, Austin emphasized the importance of continued support for Ukraine, warning that “if Putin swallows Ukraine, his appetite will only grow.”

Zelenskyy also urged the incoming administration to maintain its support for Ukraine, stating that “we've come such a long way that it would honestly be crazy to drop the ball now and not keep building on the defense coalitions we've created.”

The new aid package marks the 74th tranche of equipment provided to Ukraine by the US Defense Department since August 2021. The equipment and supplies will be drawn from existing US stockpiles.