U.S. to Send $2.5 Billion in Additional Weapons to Ukraine as Biden Pushes for Quick Support Before Trump Takes Office

President Joe Biden announced on Monday that the United States will send nearly $2.5 billion in additional military aid to Ukraine as his administration works to expedite assistance before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. This latest aid package includes $1.25 billion in presidential drawdown authority, enabling the U.S. military to send weapons from existing stockpiles quickly, and $1.22 billion in longer-term weapons contracts through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).

Biden emphasized that all remaining USAI funds have now been allocated, and he pledged to use the remaining drawdown money before leaving office. “I’ve directed my administration to continue surging as much assistance to Ukraine as quickly as possible,” Biden said in a statement. The aid package comes as Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukraine’s power facilities and the ongoing battle around the Russian border region of Kursk, where Moscow has deployed North Korean troops.

The Biden administration is rushing to deliver as much support as possible to ensure Ukraine has the strongest negotiating position before Trump’s presidency, given his previous statements about a potential settlement with Russia. Many U.S. and European leaders fear that Trump’s approach could undermine Ukraine’s ability to secure a favorable deal.

The new aid package includes counter-unmanned aerial systems, air defense munitions, artillery ammunition, anti-armor systems, and more. With Monday’s announcement, the U.S. has provided over $65 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.