The United States is poised to announce a hefty £1 billion military aid package for Ukraine before Joe Biden’s term ends on January 20.
This substantial aid package includes a significant amount of munitions, such as the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and the HAWK air defence system.
It will also provide Stinger missiles and 155 mm- and 105 mm artillery rounds, officials revealed. Officials who wished to remain anonymous anticipated the announcement to be made on Monday.
This new aid arrives amidst Russia’s recent onslaught against Ukraine’s power facilities. However, Ukraine claims to have intercepted a significant number of the missiles and drones.
Russian and Ukrainian forces continue their bitter battle around the Russian border region of Kursk, where Moscow has deployed thousands of North Korean troops to reclaim territory seized by Ukraine.
Earlier this month, senior defence officials admitted that the Defense Department might not be able to dispatch all of the remaining £4.5 billion in Pentagon weapons and equipment stocks approved by Congress for Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Trump has discussed the possibility of a negotiated settlement between Ukraine and Russia, referencing his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This has sparked concern among US and European leaders who fear it could result in an unfavourable deal for Ukraine and question whether he will deliver all the weapons funding approved by Congress.
The aid included in the new package is under presidential drawdown authority, enabling the Pentagon to swiftly dispatch weapons to Ukraine. This latest assistance would leave approximately £3.5 billion remaining.
Officials have expressed hope that an increase in aid will bolster Ukraine’s position if Zelensky decides to enter negotiations.
A senior defence official stated that while the US will continue to supply weapons to Ukraine until January 20, there may still be funds left for the incoming Trump administration to utilise.
The Pentagon has also reported around £1 billion remaining in longer-term funding through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, used for weapons contracts not due for delivery for at least a year.
Officials anticipate that all of this money will be released before the end of the calendar year.
Including the new package, the US has provided over £51 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
