The Biden administration announced a new $500 million weapons aid package for Ukraine on Thursday, aiming to reinforce Kyiv’s defense against Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed the package in a statement, marking another step in the US commitment to supporting Ukraine during the final weeks of President Joe Biden’s term.
White House spokesperson John Kirby emphasised the administration’s dedication to aiding Ukraine, stating that the US would continue delivering military assistance “right up to the end of this administration.”
The package includes ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and High-speed Anti-radiation Missiles (HARMs), among other critical supplies.
This follows a $725 million aid announcement 10 days earlier, showcasing the U.S. effort to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities as Russia intensifies its offensives.
Biden, whose term ends in January, is making use of the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) to provide rapid military aid. With about $5.6 billion in PDA funds still available, these transfers can proceed without congressional approval.
The timing is crucial as Moscow’s forces push deeper into Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, capturing villages and targeting critical infrastructure. Russian air strikes have further crippled Ukraine’s energy grid, heightening challenges as winter sets in.
The US continues to emphasise its unwavering support for Ukraine, aiming to provide critical assistance in its fight for sovereignty amid escalating aggression from Russia.
Melissa Enoch
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