The United States is preparing a new military aid package for Ukraine, with plans to announce it soon. The package could be worth as much as $400 million, according to two U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters. This move comes after additional funds for Kyiv have been blocked by Republican leaders in Congress. The funding for this package is from credits refunded to the Pentagon for recent purchases.
The U.S. Army, in particular, has been making significant purchases of munitions and vehicles to replenish stocks sent to Ukraine. In December 2023, funds to replenish these stocks fell to zero. Now, using the returned funds to replenish stocks opens a window for more aid to be sent from existing stocks while the Biden administration waits for supplemental funding to be passed by lawmakers.
President Joe Biden has been a strong advocate for military aid to Ukraine, especially since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. In contrast, former President Donald Trump, who is likely to be Biden’s Republican opponent in the upcoming U.S. election, has a more isolationist stance.
The House is facing pressure to pass a $95 billion national security package that includes increased aid for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region. The legislation has already cleared the Senate with a 70-29 vote, but Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has been resistant to putting up the aid bill for a vote in the House.
Leaders of U.S. intelligence agencies have urgently pressed members of the House of Representatives to approve additional military assistance for Ukraine. They argue that it would not only strengthen Kyiv’s position against Russia but also deter Chinese aggression.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated on Monday that the situation along the country’s war front with Russia is currently the best it has been in three months. He mentioned that Russian troops are no longer advancing after capturing the city of Avdiivka last month. However, Zelenskiy stressed the importance of new supplies in maintaining and improving Ukraine’s strategic position.
Russia’s capture of Avdiivka gave their forces breathing room to defend the Russian-held regional center of Donetsk. A halt in their advancement could be a positive development for Ukraine.
In conclusion, the United States is preparing to provide a $400 million military aid package to Ukraine. This aid is crucial in replenishing stocks sent to Ukraine and supporting its position against Russian aggression. The announcement of this aid package is highly anticipated and comes as U.S. lawmakers face pressure to pass a national security package that bolsters aid for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region.
