Ukrainian serviceman, Zaporizhzhia region, December 3, 2024. REUTERS/Stringer
United States Announces $988 Million Arms Aid Package for Ukraine
Overview of New Assistance
The United States has unveiled a $988 million military aid package to bolster Ukraine’s ongoing defense against Russia’s invasion. This package, announced on Saturday, allocates funds through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), which finances the procurement of new weapons and equipment from industry rather than drawing from U.S. military stockpiles.
Details of the Aid
According to the Pentagon, the aid will prioritize:
- Ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), produced by Lockheed Martin.
- Drones and spare parts to maintain critical artillery systems.
This commitment comes as defense policymakers and industry representatives convene at the Reagan National Defense Forum in California.
USAI Funds and Broader Support
The USAI, distinct from the Presidential Drawdown Authority often used by the Biden administration, focuses on contracting weapons from manufacturers rather than repurposing excess U.S. supplies. The newly announced package reduces the remaining USAI funds to approximately $1.22 billion.
The U.S. government still has access to around $6 billion in presidential drawdown funds, which do not require congressional approval. These funds include appropriations for 2024 and savings identified after the Pentagon overestimated the value of prior arms shipments to Ukraine.
Cumulative U.S. Support for Ukraine
Since the onset of Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the United States has committed over $62 billion in security assistance to Ukraine. This extensive support underscores the Biden administration’s strategy to strengthen Ukraine’s military resilience through both direct aid and investments in long-term defense capabilities.
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