The United States is set to announce over $8 billion in military aid for Ukraine on Thursday during President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s visit to Washington, according to two U.S. officials.
President Joe Biden’s administration has been in urgent talks with Congress to secure the use of $5.6 billion in military aid for Ukraine before the federal fiscal year ends on September 30, when the authority to use those funds is set to expire.
On Thursday, U.S. officials said, the White House plans to inform Congress of its intention to proceed with a $5.6 billion drawdown from U.S. weapons stockpiles. The exact contents of this package are still being finalized.
Earlier this month, Reuters reported that the Biden administration was considering a backup plan. This plan would allow for weapons shipments to Ukraine with an extended delivery timeline, ensuring the resources could still be transferred gradually without missing the September 30 deadline.
A second announcement, also expected on Thursday, will involve $2.4 billion in aid under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which enables the U.S. government to purchase weapons for Ukraine directly from manufacturers rather than drawing from existing U.S. military stocks. This aid will include munitions, anti-drone weapons, and materials to support Ukraine’s munitions production, one official said.
Additionally, on Wednesday, the U.S. unveiled $375 million in military aid for Ukraine under the Presidential Drawdown Authority. This package will include the first delivery of a precision-guided glide bomb known as the Joint Standoff Weapon, which has a range of up to 81 miles (130 km), according to two officials. Although not publicly disclosed in the initial announcement, this weapon can be dropped from fighter jets and is capable of striking targets with high precision.
The package also includes patrol boats, ammunition for HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems), 155mm and 105mm artillery shells, spare parts, and other military equipment. Notably, Ukraine has been restricted from using U.S.-supplied weapons for strikes inside Russian territory.
The Presidential Drawdown Authority allows the president to provide weapons from current U.S. stockpiles to assist allies in emergency situations. In August, as Ukraine was advancing into Russian territory but facing setbacks in its east, Washington announced two $125 million aid packages.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began, Congress has approved nearly $175 billion in aid and military assistance for Ukraine and its allies. Many lawmakers believe additional funds will be needed to support Ukraine in the coming months.
U.S. defense contractors that could benefit from the increased weapons shipments include companies such as RTX, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman.
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