The Biden administration plans to send $500 million in weapons to Ukraine using existing U.S. stockpiles. The move aims to bolster Ukraine’s position in ongoing negotiations ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. The announcement is expected during Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s final trip to meet with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group on Thursday.
This $500 million package is funded through the presidential drawdown authority, allowing expedited transfers from U.S. stockpiles. According to a senior defense official, the objective is to ensure these munitions reach Ukraine by the end of January. This is part of a broader effort to maintain momentum in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, as emphasized by Austin during remarks to reporters accompanying him.
The Ukraine Defense Contact Group, formed after Russia’s invasion in February 2022, consists of approximately 50 nations coordinating military support for Ukraine. Thursday marks the group’s 25th and potentially final meeting as participants await the incoming administration’s decision on its future.
This announcement comes amidst several wildfires spreading across southern California that are actively burning over 20,000 acres, displacing 80,000 residents. President Biden and Governor Newsom partook in a briefing Wednesday morning regarding the Los Angeles fires in which Biden made the ill-timed announcement: “Good news is, I am a great grandfather as of today.”
This pattern is all too familiar for the current president. Biden’s approach to handling domestic natural disasters has consistently revealed his priorities.
After Hurricane Helene struck Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, and the Line Fire impacted San Bernardino Biden pledged $8 billion dollars to Ukraine.
Ukraine got an additional $425 million in aid after Hurricane Milton struck and devastated Florida.
Not to mention, North Carolina continued to struggle post-hurricane, lacking the necessary resources to cope in recovery. Yet again, Ukraine received $2.5 billion.
Since the start of the war, the United States has provided Ukraine with $66.5 billion in military assistance. Congress has authorized nearly $70 billion in total, leaving about $4 billion available. Much of this remaining funding will roll over to the next administration, where its allocation will depend on the policies of President-elect Trump.
