US to announce $ 8 billion military aid package for Ukraine during Zelenskyy’s visit, Reuters sources say

This includes a $5.6 billion weapons drawdown, $2.4 billion for purchasing weapons in the US, and additional packages, including precision-guided munitions and various equipment.

Sep 26, 2024 - 12:00
US to announce $ 8 billion military aid package for Ukraine during Zelenskyy’s visit, Reuters sources say

us announce $8 billion military aid package ukraine during zelenskyy's visit sources say ukrainian troops operating us-manufactured m109l self-propelled howitzer toretsk sector donetsk oblast early september 2024

The US is preparing to announce over $8 billion in military aid for Ukraine on 28 September, during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington, according to two US officials who spoke to Reuters on 27 September.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Congress has approved nearly $175 billion in aid and military assistance for Ukraine and allied nations. Much of this funding has been allocated for long-term US defense production to replace equipment sent to Kyiv.

The Biden administration has been in urgent talks with Congress to allocate $5.6 billion in military aid for Ukraine before the fiscal year ends on 30 September 2024, when the authority expires. US officials said the White House will notify Congress of a $5.6 billion drawdown from US weapons stocks, with the details still being finalized, Reuters reported.

Additionally, a separate $2.4 billion aid package under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative will be announced on the same day, allowing the US to purchase weapons for Ukraine from private companies. This package is expected to include munitions, drone-combat weapons, and support for Ukraine’s munitions production.

The US also announced a $375 million Presidential Drawdown Authority package for Ukraine, which includes the first delivery of the Joint Standoff Weapon, a precision-guided glide bomb with an 81-mile (130 km) range. Other items in the package include patrol boats, additional ammunition for HIMARS, 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds, spare parts, and other weapons.

Pentagon announces $ 375 million military aid package for Ukraine

The AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon, designed for fighter jets, is highly accurate, though Ukraine has been largely restricted from using US-supplied weapons for strikes inside Russia.

According to Reuters, US defense contractors, including RTX, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman, stand to benefit from the increased weapons shipments to Ukraine.

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