WASHINGTON: The Biden administration has unveiled a $500 million weapons aid package for Ukraine, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Thursday.
White House spokesperson John Kirby reiterated the United States’ commitment to supporting Ukraine throughout President Joe Biden’s term, which ends in January. This follows a recent $725 million aid package provided just 10 days ago, as the administration seeks to bolster Ukraine’s resistance against Russia before the transition to Republican President-elect Donald Trump.
The new package includes ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARMs), along with other supplies, according to Blinken. Approximately $5.6 billion remains under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), a mechanism allowing Biden to transfer weapons from US stockpiles to Ukraine without congressional approval.
Meanwhile, Russian forces continue their advance in eastern Ukraine, capturing villages as part of their efforts to control the Donbas industrial region. Additionally, Russian airstrikes have intensified, targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as the country prepares for the challenges of winter.
Since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022, the United States has provided Ukraine with an estimated $43 billion in military aid, solidifying its role as the largest single contributor to Ukraine’s defense.
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