U.S. Announces $500M Defense Aid Package for Ukraine as Russian Forces Advance

The Biden administration accelerates military support for Ukraine with critical weapons and equipment ahead of a leadership transition in Washington.

The $500 million package includes air defense missiles, HIMARS ammunition, drones, armored vehicles, and anti-armor systems.
This marks the 72nd weapons package provided to Ukraine under the Presidential Drawdown Authority since 2021, totaling over $62.9 billion in U.S. aid since the war began.
The Biden administration is expediting aid before President-elect Donald Trump, who has criticized U.S. support for Ukraine, takes office in January 2025.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to President Biden and bipartisan members of Congress for their continued support.
The aid comes as Russian forces make significant advances near Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, raising concerns about Ukraine’s defensive capacity.