The U.S. is preparing a new military aid package for Ukraine worth $725 million, according to Reuters.
The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden is preparing a substantial military aid package for Ukraine amounting to $725 million. This will be one of the largest packages under the presidential drawdown authority (PDA).
This information was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing Reuters.
This initiative is part of efforts to support Ukraine amid increasing Russian aggression as Biden's presidential term nears its end.
The package is expected to include:
- Anti-tank weapons to deter Russian forces.
- Anti-personnel mines, despite their controversial status.
- Drones and Stinger missiles.
- Ammunition for HIMARS, including cluster munitions used in GMLRS rockets.
The size of the package significantly exceeds previous ones, which typically ranged from $125 to $250 million. This will be one of the last major military aids from the Biden administration before the inauguration of newly elected President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025.
Congress will receive official notification about the package in the coming days. The final details and amount of aid may be clarified before Biden signs it.
Although anti-personnel mines are banned by international treaties, Ukraine has insisted on their supply to protect its territory. The U.S. expects their use to be limited to military zones and to avoid civilian areas.
According to analysts, Russia is making faster advances on the battlefield since the invasion, highlighting Ukraine's urgent need for additional defense resources.
Biden still has $4–5 billion in PDA approved by Congress that can be used for transfers of power. This means that part of the aid will remain at the discretion of the new administration.
This arms package demonstrates the strategic support of the U.S. for Ukraine even amidst political changes in Washington. Providing such aid will help bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities at a critical moment in the war. However, the decision regarding landmines has sparked debates due to the risks posed to civilians and the ethical implications of using such weapons.
It is worth noting that Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly stated that the Russian regime will not cease its actions in Ukraine if it wins the war.
According to Estonian intelligence, Russia is already preparing for a new war, which could occur within the next 10 years. A direct conflict with NATO is not ruled out.
A number of Western countries have also begun to worry that Russia may invade NATO territory in the near future.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that Russia could attack NATO by 2029.
Moreover, NATO has already developed a defense plan in case of a possible Russian attack.