The Pentagon is set to send $1 billion in new military aid to Ukraine, as the Senate moves forward with legislation to fund weapons desperately needed by Kyiv to counter Russian advances in the war. The $95 billion foreign aid package, which includes funding for other countries like Israel and Taiwan, passed the House and the Senate approval was expected soon. The aid package for Ukraine includes ammunition such as air defense munitions and artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and other weapons. Some of the weapons will be delivered quickly to the battlefront, while others may take longer to arrive.
Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, mentioned that the U.S. has a robust logistical system in place for weapons deliveries to Ukraine, and is prepared to respond quickly once the bill is signed. The U.K. also announced an additional $620 million in military supplies for Ukraine, including long-range missiles and ammunition. This follows President Biden’s promise to provide air defense weapons to Ukraine once the bill is approved. The delivery of weapons will be facilitated through presidential drawdown authority, which allows for the quick deployment of systems and munitions from existing U.S. stockpiles.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby highlighted how President Vladimir Putin took advantage of Ukraine’s lack of U.S. aid for months. CIA Director Bill Burns warned that Ukraine could lose the war to Russia by the end of the year without the infusion of aid. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also noted that Russian forces were making incremental gains on the battlefield. Gen. CQ Brown described the dire conditions faced by Ukrainian troops, who are running out of ammunition on the front lines. The Pentagon is working with defense officials from Europe and around the world to address the urgent need for international aid for Ukraine.
Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the U.S. has provided more than $44 billion worth of weapons, training, and spare parts to Ukraine. The aid packages were moving regularly until funding dried up by the end of the fiscal year in September. By mid-December, the Pentagon had to halt weapon shipments due to the lack of funding from Congress. The $1 billion aid package is crucial to replenishing U.S. military stocks that have been depleted due to the ongoing support provided to Ukraine. The international community, including NATO allies, is also stepping up efforts to provide assistance to Ukraine in the face of the Russian aggression.
