US Defense Department officials have confirmed that the Biden administration will ask Congress for $24B in additional funding to support Ukraine. Of this amount, $8B would be allocated to the USAI (Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative) program, with $16B to replenish US warehouses and gather new assistance packages under the presidential drawdown authority (PDA).
Supplies under the USAI program can take a long time to be delivered, as they involve ordering weapons for Ukraine from manufacturers. Under the PDA program, assistance is delivered much more quickly, as the US sends Ukraine existing weapons from its own stocks. This funding not only supports Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty and weakens Russia’s military potential but also strengthens US military readiness through the modernization of weapons systems and direct investment into the US military-industrial complex.
Aid to Ukraine will be included in an exceptional funding package bill, which includes other spending for fiscal year 2025.