The Biden administration is preparing a new aid package for Ukraine worth around $1 billion, which is expected to be approved after the Senate passes a new foreign aid funding bill. The aid package is set to include long-range ATACMS missiles, air defense and artillery ammunition, Bradley fighting vehicles, and demolition weaponry. Ukrainian officials have been requesting the long-range missiles to target deeper behind Russian lines, and this aid package is expected to fulfill that request.
Last fall, the US sent Ukraine the mid-range variant of the missile system, which can reach about 100 miles, while the longer-range version has a reach of up to 190 miles. The new aid package is also expected to include more desperately needed munitions to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The legislation to be approved by the Senate requires the administration to transfer the longer-range ATACMS “as soon as practicable,” unless it is determined to be detrimental to US national security interests.
The military aid will be sourced from the US’ own stockpiles through presidential drawdown authority, which will be the first package of its kind for Ukraine since March. The aid package is expected to be significantly larger than the previous one, which was around $300 million. US European Command is already in the process of preparing the weaponry for transfer to Ukraine so that it can flow efficiently once the aid is approved and appropriated. Pentagon officials have stated that the aid can begin to be transferred within a week or two of the funding being passed.
American officials have been hesitant to provide Ukraine with long-range missiles, citing concerns about provoking Moscow and availability of supplies. However, the new aid package signals a shift in policy, with the US now willing to provide the much-needed military assistance to Ukraine. The administration is prepared to quickly send military aid to meet Ukraine’s urgent battlefield and air defense needs as soon as the supplemental funding is passed.
The aid package for Ukraine is expected to include a range of weaponry and munitions to enhance Ukraine’s capabilities in its conflict with Russia. This includes long-range ATACMS missiles, air defense and artillery ammunition, Bradley fighting vehicles, and other demolition weaponry. The administration’s decision to send aid to Ukraine signals a commitment to supporting the country in its defense against Russian aggression and highlights the potential impact of US military assistance in the ongoing conflict.
The passage of the legislation by the Senate will authorize the administration to transfer the military aid to Ukraine, with a focus on fulfilling the country’s urgent battlefield and air defense needs. The aid package will be sourced from US stockpiles through presidential drawdown authority, a mechanism that allows for expedited transfer of military equipment. The efficiency of transferring the aid has already been prioritized by US European Command, ensuring that the weapons can be delivered to Ukraine quickly once the funding is in place.
