Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a $988 million weapons package for Ukraine, focusing on longer-term support such as drones and HIMARS munitions under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. This funding, aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s future military capabilities, comes as the Biden administration rushes to utilize congressionally approved funds before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office.
The new aid complements $725 million in immediate military assistance announced earlier, bringing U.S. military aid to Ukraine to over $62 billion since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. As Kyiv faces intensified attacks from Russian forces, including the use of North Korean troops and missile strikes, the U.S. effort seeks to strengthen Ukraine before potential shifts in policy under Trump, who has criticized aid to Ukraine and expressed a desire to end the war quickly.
Austin emphasized the bipartisan coalition supporting Ukraine and highlighted the global coalition formed during his tenure, likening its importance to the alliances forged during Iraq’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait. Speaking at the Reagan Presidential Library, Austin urged continued support for Ukraine, contrasting sharply with Trump’s “America First” stance.
European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, are lobbying Trump to maintain aid to Ukraine, following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris. Austin stressed that maintaining alliances and supporting Ukraine is crucial for American security and global stability.
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