Biden Administration Set to Announce $275 Million Weapons Package for Ukraine
The Biden administration is preparing to unveil a $275 million weapons package for Ukraine this week, according to a U.S. official speaking to Fox News. The package, which will be funded through the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), will utilize U.S. stockpiles, ensuring a faster delivery to Ukraine compared to other types of assistance, such as those under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).
Included in the new package will be the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), though it will not include HIMARS ammunition. Other supplies will include 155 mm artillery shells, drones, and Javelin surface-to-air missiles. Once announced, the U.S. will have approximately $6.9 billion remaining in PDA funds and $2.21 billion in USAI funding dedicated to Ukraine.
This new package follows a previous shipment of $425 million in supplies and weapons to Ukraine in September, aimed at addressing urgent needs such as air defense systems, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons.
The announcement comes shortly after President Biden approved Ukraine’s use of American long-range missiles in attacks on Russian territory. This decision, which President Putin had warned would be seen as an act of war, has led to a significant escalation in the conflict.
Just days after the approval, Ukrainian forces launched six U.S.-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) into Russian territory. Moscow claims to have intercepted five of the missiles and reported minimal damage, though debris from one missile reportedly struck a Russian military facility, causing a small fire.
The Pentagon confirmed the strike, with Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh addressing the media on Tuesday. She emphasized the U.S. commitment to continuing to supply Ukraine with the necessary resources for the battlefield. Singh downplayed concerns of escalation, stating, “We don’t see that as escalatory. We see that as a commitment we set out from the very beginning of this administration.”
Additionally, Singh reported that over 11,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to the Kursk region in Russia to support Russian forces, marking an intensification of the war. The Department of Defense anticipates that more North Korean troops may join the fight, as they are specifically positioned to engage Ukrainian forces.
The U.S. remains committed to providing continued military support to Ukraine, despite the increased involvement of external forces like North Korea.
