US Sends Final $500M Military Aid to Ukraine Before Biden Leaves Office

The Biden administration has recently unveiled its final military aid package for Ukraine, totaling $500 million. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was slated to reveal this figure at the last US-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. This assistance comes as the White House prepares to impose additional sanctions on Russia by the end of the week. The aim is to bolster Ukraine's position before any potential negotiations to end the war. The package, valued at $500 million, includes missiles for air defense, air-to-ground munitions, and equipment to support Ukraine's use of F-16 fighter jets. US officials indicate that Ukraine currently has enough supplies, but there are concerns about manpower. The entire amount of aid approved by Congress is expected to be provided, though not all Presidential Drawdown Authority for Ukraine may be used by the time Biden leaves office.

Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were scheduled to meet in Rome, but the trip was canceled due to wildfires in California. The meeting would have come just over a month before the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The administration is keen to demonstrate US support for Ukraine in Biden's remaining time. Both the US and Ukraine anticipate possible negotiations with Russia in the first part of 2025. The goal is to boost Ukraine’s strength ahead of any talks. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump’s envoy hopes for a solution within 100 days of his inauguration. US officials note that sanctions on Russia have significantly weakened its economy, with high inflation and interest rates. The upcoming sanctions, whose targets are yet unclear, are being discussed but not coordinated with the incoming Trump administration. Since the war began in late February 2022, the US has given Ukraine over $65 billion in aid.

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