WASHINGTON — The Biden administration is poised to unveil a significant final weapons assistance package for Ukraine during Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit to Germany on Thursday. This visit will bring together representatives from about 50 allied nations that have rallied to support Ukraine following Russia’s invasion nearly three years ago, according to two senior defense officials.
While the officials refrained from citing a specific monetary figure, they indicated that the upcoming package is expected to be “substantial.” However, it is unlikely to exhaust the approximately $4 billion that remains from the funding approved by Congress for Ukraine. The officials mentioned that there could be “more than a couple of billion dollars” available for the incoming Trump administration to allocate to Ukraine if it decides to proceed with that course of action, as stated in a briefing for reporters accompanying Austin.
Currently, Ukraine is executing a second offensive in Russia’s Kursk region while enduring heavy missile attacks and ongoing advances from Russian forces. Both parties are striving to position themselves favorably before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Defense officials from the Biden administration have been in communication with Trump’s transition team to address what they deem essential matters.
Austin’s visit to Ramstein Air Base represents his final assembly with the coalition he assembled in response to Russia’s aggression that began in February 2022. Collectively, these nations have supplied more than $126 billion in military support, including extensive weapons, military training, and assistance. Among these contributions, the United States has provided $66 billion.
The forthcoming announcement regarding aid is expected to draw from existing U.S. stockpiles, with a focus on delivering the majority of the pledged military supplies to Ukraine before Trump assumes office, according to one defense official. On December 30, a separate aid package worth $1.25 billion was disclosed as part of a rapid series of military support announcements aimed at maximizing assistance to Ukraine before President Joe Biden exits the White House. The officials noted that approximately 80% to 90% of the promised stockpile equipment has already reached Ukraine.
