SIMI VALLEY, Calif. — On Saturday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a new initiative to provide Ukraine with nearly $1 billion in long-term military support as the Biden administration seeks to utilize all remaining congressionally approved funds before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office next month.
The upcoming military aid package will encompass additional drones and ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) already in use by Ukraine. Despite the urgent nature of these weapons, their funding will come from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which is aimed at procuring long-term systems.
These military systems are primarily intended to bolster Ukraine’s future defenses rather than offer immediate impact on current battlefields. The newly announced $1 billion package follows an earlier commitment of $725 million in U.S. military aid, which includes counter-drone technology and munitions for HIMARS. This assistance is drawn from the Pentagon’s existing stockpile to expedite delivery to combat zones.
As Ukraine faces increased aggression from Russia—who is reportedly employing thousands of North Korean soldiers in efforts to reclaim the Kursk region—the need for robust military support has become even more pressing. Russia has also escalated its use of intermediate-range ballistic missiles, frequently targeting civilian infrastructure in Kyiv.
Amid concerns regarding Trump’s position on military aid to Ukraine, the Biden administration is making a concerted effort to exhaust all funding available in a substantial foreign aid package passed earlier this year. This move aims to strengthen Ukraine as much as possible before new leadership takes over.
Austin emphasized the importance of this decision, stating, “This administration has made its choice. So has a bipartisan coalition in Congress. The next administration must make its own choice,” during a gathering at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, which included national security officials, defense industry leaders, and lawmakers.
While in Paris for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, Trump held an impromptu meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron and other European leaders are actively trying to convince Trump to continue supporting Ukraine.
Historically a supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump has expressed skepticism about U.S. aid to Ukraine, advocating for a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict, sparking worries in Ukraine about potential terms for future negotiations.
In his speech, Austin expressed confidence that President Reagan would have stood in support of Ukraine, U.S. national security, and the principles of human freedom. This event served as one of Austin’s significant farewell appearances as he prepares to conclude his tenure as Defense Secretary, following a distinguished 41-year career in the military.
Since taking office, Austin has overseen the establishment of regular meetings involving over 50 countries, aimed at coordinating the supply of millions of rounds of ammunition and considerable advanced weaponry to Ukraine. Without this vital support, there are concerns that Ukraine might have succumbed to Russian forces following their invasion in February 2022.
“Together, we have helped Ukraine endure an all-out assault by the largest military in Europe,” Austin stated, highlighting the collaborative efforts to support Kyiv. Prior to Saturday’s announcement, the U.S. had approximately $8 billion in funds available for the withdrawal of current weapon stockpiles and for contracting additional military supplies for Ukraine’s needs.
Rep. Adam Smith, the leading Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, reinforced the commitment to aiding Ukraine, stating, “We’re not going to stop Putin by telling Ukraine we aren’t going to give you anything more,” during a discussion at the Reagan National Defense Forum.
