US prepares new $725 million military aid package for Ukraine - Reuters
Photo: US President Joe Biden (Getty Images)
The Biden administration is preparing a significant $725 million military aid package for Ukraine. This will be one of the largest packages authorized under presidential drawdown authority (PDA), Reuters reports.
This move is part of efforts to support Ukraine amid increased Russian aggression as President Biden's 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 this package far exceeds previous ones, which typically ranged from $125 million to $250 million. This will be one of the final large military aid packages from the Biden administration before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025.
Congress is expected to receive official package notification in the coming days. The final contents and size of the aid may be adjusted before Biden signs it.
While anti-personnel mines are banned under international treaties, Ukraine has insisted on their provision for the protection of its territory. The US expects their use to be limited to military zones and to avoid civilian areas.
According to analysts, Russia is making its fastest battlefield advances since the invasion, underscoring Ukraine's urgent need for additional defense resources.
Biden still has $4-5 billion in PDA funds approved by Congress that can be used before power transfer. This means that part of the aid will be left to the discretion of the incoming administration.
This weapons package demonstrates strategic US support for Ukraine, even amid political changes in Washington. The delivery of such aid will help bolster Ukraine's defenses at a critical moment in the war. However, the decision on mine weapons raises debates over the risks to civilian populations and the ethical aspects of using such weapons.
It should be noted that Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly stated that the Russian regime will not stop 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 also considered a possibility.
Several Western countries are also beginning to worry that Russia may invade NATO territory in the near future.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has stated that Russia could attack NATO by 2029.
In addition, NATO has already developed a defense plan in case of a potential Russian attack.
