Washington: The United States is set to deliver a $375 million military aid package to Ukraine, according to two US officials who spoke to Reuters on Friday. This marks a shift from the recent pattern of smaller aid packages.
The aid package comes at a critical time as Ukraine grapples with escalating Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, particularly as winter approaches. Expected to be announced next week, the package includes patrol boats, ammunition for high-mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS), 155mm and 105mm artillery shells, spare parts, and additional weaponry. The officials, who requested anonymity, also mentioned that the contents and size of the package could change in the days leading up to President Biden’s approval.
Since May, the US has refrained from sending aid packages exceeding $275 million using the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), a provision that allows the US to use its existing weapons stockpiles to aid allies in emergencies. In August, as Ukraine struggled with military challenges and territorial losses in the east, the US provided two smaller aid packages, each worth $125 million.
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President Joe Biden’s administration, with support from pro-Ukraine leaders in Congress, is advocating for a one-year extension of the PDA. This authority currently supports Ukraine with $5.5 billion worth of military aid but is set to expire this month. The extension has garnered bipartisan support and is expected to be included in a Continuing Resolution, an emergency spending bill that Congress must pass to avoid a government shutdown on 30 September.
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The PDA was first authorized through a supplemental spending bill passed in April after delays due to opposition from certain Republican factions. The bill also allocated funding to replenish US weapons stockpiles, benefiting defense contractors like RTX, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman, who are expected to receive additional orders as a result.
