WASHINGTON — U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration has announced a new $500 million weapons aid package for Ukraine, Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed in a statement on Thursday.
The latest package continues the U.S. commitment to support Ukraine in countering Russia’s invasion. White House spokesperson John Kirby emphasized that such aid would persist “right up to the end of this administration.”
This announcement follows a $725 million aid package revealed just 10 days ago, which included missiles, ammunition, anti-personnel mines, and other weaponry.
Thursday’s package provides ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and High-speed Anti-radiation Missiles (HARMs), along with additional support. Blinken noted that about $5.6 billion remains available under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), allowing the administration to send weapons directly from U.S. stockpiles without congressional approval.
The aid arrives as Moscow’s forces make gains in eastern Ukraine, capturing villages in a push to control the Donbas region. Simultaneously, Russian airstrikes target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, exacerbating the challenges of winter.
Biden’s administration is intensifying efforts to assist Ukraine before the transition of power to Republican President-elect Donald Trump in January.