US President Joe Biden approved the US’ 72nd security and defense package to Ukraine, White House adviser John Kirby said last week. The assistance is provided within the US’ presidential drawdown powers (PDA). The Biden administration promises to continue to provide additional support packages until the end of its term.
The US State Department has revealed the composition of the package and its cost – Ukraine will receive weapons worth $500M, including ammunition to counter unmanned aerial systems (c-UAS), HIMARS ammunition, 155 mm and 105 mm caliber artillery shells, high-velocity anti-radar missiles (HARMs), unmanned aerial systems (UAS), mine and ambush-resistant vehicles (MRAP). Ukraine will also receive HMMWV multi-purpose off-road vehicles, light tactical vehicles, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) protective equipment, Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems, TOW missiles, and small arms ammunition.
Analysts note that Washington is close to the required pace to exhaust the funds that have been allocated to Ukraine before Trump’s inauguration on January 20.