WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Biden administration will announce its final Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative package in the coming days, using remaining funds set aside to buy new weapons for Ukraine, according to two sources familiar with the matter.
The package includes air defense interceptors and artillery munitions, according to a third source, but the exact contents are expected when the package is announced in the coming days. The package will be worth about $1.2 billion, the sources said.
Under the USAI initiative, military equipment is acquired from the defense sector or partners rather than being pulled from U.S. stockpiles, meaning it could take months or years to reach the battlefield.
The USAI package could be among the last steps the United States takes to provide direct military support to Ukraine as Kiev prepares for the return of President-elect Donald Trump, who has publicly questioned military aid and promised to end the war. of Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office on January 20.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the United States has committed $175 billion in aid to Ukraine, including approximately $61.4 billion in security assistance.
About half of this security assistance came through the USAI program, and the remainder was earmarked for the withdrawal of existing military stocks through presidential withdrawal authority.
Continues after advertising
There is $5.6 billion remaining in presidential withdrawal authority.
The State Department and Pentagon declined to comment on the upcoming announcement, saying they do not discuss security assistance packages before they are officially unveiled.
The USAI program has been a boon for U.S. defense contractors, who have been able to place orders for newly manufactured weapons and establish new revenue streams.
Continues after advertising
One example is the Vampire system from L3Harris Technologies. The Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment counter-drone system received its first USAI-funded order in August 2022.
L3Harris delivered its first four units within 12 months. The company saw growing interest in the system and subsequently received several orders through the USAI program.
As the Biden administration prepares to reveal details of the final USAI package, questions remain about how and whether the United States will continue to assist its ally in the absence of dedicated USAI funding.
Continues after advertising
During his campaign, Trump repeatedly questioned the level of US involvement in the conflict, suggesting that European allies should bear more of the financial burden. Some of his Republican colleagues – who will control the House of Representatives and the Senate starting next month – have also cooled aid to Kiev.
