White House announces new weapons package for Kyiv
The United States has approved a new weapons package for Ukraine, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said during a White House press briefing Dec. 12.
The announcement comes as outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden attempts to hasten shipments of military aid to Ukraine ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration in January.
"Today, the president approved a new security assistance package for Ukraine that will provide them with additional air defense, artillery, drones, and armored vehicles," Kirby said.
The latest package marks the 72nd shipment of U.S. military aid under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), which allows the U.S. to transfer weapons from existing stockpiles to allies in urgent situations.
Kirby did not specify the dollar amount attached to the new round of assistance, but said Biden was committed to ongoing aid deliveries.
"We're going to provide additional packages right up to the end of this administration," he said.
Two days prior, the U.S. on Dec. 10 announced a $20 billion loan to Ukraine backed by frozen Russian assets. The loan is the culmination of a Group of Seven (G7) deal to lend Kyiv a total $50 billion, all supported by proceeds from frozen Russian funds.
The Pentagon on Dec. 7 also announced an arms package for Ukraine worth nearly $1 billion.
The White House aims to send a large-scale influx of weapons to Kyiv before Jan. 20, when Trump officially begins his term. The stated aim is to improve Ukraine's negotiating leverage before Trump withdraws U.S. aid and pressures Kyiv to strike a deal with Moscow.
Trump told Time magazine on Dec. 12 that his administration will not "abandon" Ukraine, but will use U.S. aid to urge a negotiated resolution.
Martin Fornusek
Related posts:
Ukraine war latest: Trump hints he won't 'abandon' Kyiv but opposes Ukraine launching US missiles inside Russia
Harris or Trump — Ukraine braces for best, worst-case scenarios as US elects new president
How will Russia's war in Ukraine end? The good, the bad, and the ugly scenarios
Ukraine war latest: Russian An-72 military transport plane damaged in blast near Moscow, Ukraine's intel claims
Ukraine builds a bridge to Trumpland
Trump's pick for Ukraine envoy backs 'peace through strength,' security guarantees
Woodward revelations deepen debate on whether Trump will sell out Ukraine to Kremlin
Biden was “killing Ukraine softly.” Trump won’t wait
About The Author
