US to Provide Ukraine $500M in Weapons: Report

The Biden administration is expected to deliver a $500 million weapons package to Ukraine in an effort to bolster Kyiv’s defense capabilities before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, according to a Wednesday report from The Associated Press (AP) that cited senior U.S. officials.

Why It Matters

Since Russia’s invasion nearly three years ago, the U.S. has committed approximately $66.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine. The latest funding announcement leaves less than $4 billion available under current congressional authorization, with decisions about future support falling to the incoming Trump administration.

While defense officials said there are ongoing discussions with Trump’s transition team to ensure continuity in addressing critical issues related to Ukraine, it is unclear how much military aid Trump will give to Kyiv.

Trump, who has criticized the billions of dollars the Biden administration has spent in supporting Ukraine, has said that if he were at the negotiating table with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the war between the two nations would end “within 24 hours,” leading to concerns that he would press Zelensky to surrender the territory that Russia currently occupies.

What To Know

The U.S. is set to provide Ukraine an additional $500 million in weapons, drawing from existing U.S. stockpiles, according to senior officials who spoke to The Associated Press (AP) on the condition of anonymity to provide details not yet publicly announced.

The announcement of the package, expected Thursday, coincides with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin‘s visit to Germany, where he will meet representatives from nearly 50 partner nations united in support of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022, according to senior defense officials.

The military aid, authorized under presidential drawdown authority, allows for expedited transfer of munitions and equipment from U.S. stockpiles to Ukraine. A senior defense official who briefed reporters traveling with Austin said the goal was to get those munitions into Ukraine before the end of the month, ensuring that Ukraine remains in a strong position as the administration transitions.

Previous Ukraine Aid

Austin’s visit to Ramstein Air Base will mark the culmination of efforts by an international coalition organized in response to Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The collective contributions of these nations have surpassed $126 billion in military aid, encompassing ammunition, advanced fighter jets, air defense systems, counter-UAV technologies and tanks.

Thursday’s meeting will also mark the group’s 25th session and could be its last under U.S. leadership, as its future remains uncertain under the incoming administration.

Just days earlier, the Biden administration announced a $1.25 billion aid package, part of a broader effort to maximize Ukraine’s military support during the final stretch of Biden’s term. Officials estimate that 80 percent to 90 percent of promised equipment has already been delivered, signaling the administration’s urgency to solidify its legacy of support for Ukraine.

What People Are Saying

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters traveling with him: “Our focus will be on maintaining momentum, delivering results, and sending a clear message: The international community stands resolute in its support for Ukraine.”

President Joe Biden said in a statement last week: “As I committed earlier this year, the Department of Defense has now allocated all remaining USAI funds appropriated by Congress in the supplemental that I signed in April, and my Administration is fully utilizing the funding appropriated by Congress to support the drawdown of U.S. equipment for Ukraine.”

Trump-Vance transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt previously told Newsweek: “President Trump has repeatedly stated that a top priority in his second term will be to quickly negotiate a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war. Also, President Trump believes European nations should meet their NATO defense spending obligations and step up their share of the burden for this conflict, as the U.S. has paid significantly more, which is not fair to our taxpayers. He will do what is necessary to restore peace and rebuild American strength and deterrence on the world stage.”

What Happens Next

While it is unclear what Trump will do once in office regarding sending aid to Ukraine, Biden continues to make a last-minute push to ship weapons to Ukraine amid concerns that the incoming administration may halt military hardware deliveries to the country.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.