The United States announced a $2.5 billion security assistance package for Ukraine on Monday, as Washington races to deliver critical aid before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Trump’s victory in the November election has raised concerns about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine, creating a narrow window for disbursing billions in already authorized assistance before he is sworn in next month.
The aid package includes a $1.25 billion “drawdown package,” which allows the Pentagon to quickly supply Ukraine with weapons directly from U.S. stockpiles. An additional $1.22 billion will be allocated through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which funds the procurement of military equipment from defense contractors and international partners.
“Today, I am proud to announce nearly $2.5 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, as the Ukrainian people continue to defend their independence and freedom from Russian aggression,” President Joe Biden said in a statement.
The military drawdowns will include drones, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), optically guided missiles, anti-tank weapon systems, air-to-ground munitions, and spare parts, according to a separate statement from the U.S. State Department.
“The United States and more than 50 nations stand united to ensure Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to defend itself against Russia’s aggression,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov praised the new aid package in a social media post, calling the U.S. “a key ally” and expressing confidence that Ukraine would prevail. “Together, we will win!” he wrote.
This latest assistance follows an announcement earlier this month of a nearly $1 billion package of drones, ammunition, and other military equipment.
The outgoing Biden administration is working to ensure as much aid as possible reaches Ukraine before Trump takes office in January. Trump has repeatedly criticized U.S. support for Kyiv, suggesting he could broker a ceasefire with Russia within hours.
