The Biden administration is in urgent talks with Congress to save $6 billion in assistance for Ukraine before it expires on September 30. The expiration of $6.2 billion in presidential drawdown authority (PDA) by the end of the month is of concern to advocates for international support for Ukraine. This PDA is a key tool for delivering aid approved by Congress, allowing the president to transfer defense supplies in emergencies. Despite some greenlighted packages, the majority of the allocated $7.8 billion for the PDA remains unused, prompting the need for immediate action to prevent the assistance from expiring. President Zelensky has expressed gratitude for the aid packages but has raised concerns about the slow trickle-down of material assistance.
President Zelensky visited the Ramstein airbase in Germany on September 6 to participate in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting. During this visit, he lobbied for air defenses and long-range arms for Ukraine. Zelensky is set to visit the U.S. this month to present a “victory plan” and advocate for increased support. The slow pace of aid delivery has been attributed to concerns in the Pentagon about depleting stocks too quickly as the arms industry faces supply chain challenges. The U.S. State Department is working to push forward a short-term emergency spending bill to prevent the expiration of assistance and avoid a government shutdown.
Congressional aides have expressed confidence in finding a solution to address the impending expiration of $5.7 billion in unused aid for Ukraine. The Biden administration is working with Congress to ensure that the assistance is not lost and to expedite the delivery of aid to Ukraine. President Zelensky’s upcoming visit to the U.S. is expected to include discussions on additional support for Ukraine. The PDA, which allows for the transfer of defense supplies in emergencies, has been a critical tool in delivering aid to Ukraine, but challenges in the arms industry and concerns about depleting stocks have contributed to the slow pace of assistance.
The $61 billion aid approved by Congress in April includes a significant portion allocated for the PDA, with only a small percentage utilized so far. President Zelensky’s efforts to secure more support for Ukraine, including lobbying for air defenses and long-range arms, highlight the importance of international assistance in the ongoing conflict in the region. The Biden administration’s discussions with Congress aim to prevent the expiration of $6 billion in aid and ensure that Ukraine receives the necessary support to address its defense needs. The upcoming visit of President Zelensky to the U.S. will provide an opportunity to further advocate for increased assistance and present a strategic plan for Ukraine’s continued fight for sovereignty and security.
