Biden pledges $2.5b defense aid to Ukraine

President Joe Biden announced on Monday that the United States would provide nearly $2.5 billion in defense aid to Ukraine, signaling continued support as the embattled nation fends off Russia’s ongoing invasion.

“At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraine’s position in this war over the remainder of my time in office,” Biden stated.

The assistance package includes a $1.25 billion drawdown for Ukraine’s military and an additional $1.22 billion under the Department of Defense’s Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which Biden noted has now exhausted funds allocated by Congress.

Ahead of the announcement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the aid as “significant,” emphasizing its importance to his nation’s efforts. “This support is crucial to stabilizing the front lines—every additional supply from our partners means more saved lives of our soldiers,” Zelenskyy said.

Biden highlighted the immediate and long-term impact of the assistance, which is set to enhance Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities and supply critical air defense, artillery, and other weapon systems. “I’ve directed my Administration to continue surging as much assistance to Ukraine as quickly as possible—including drawing down older U.S. equipment, rapidly delivering it to the battlefield, and revitalizing the U.S. defense industrial base to replenish our stockpiles with modern weapons,” Biden explained.

The Department of Defense will deliver hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of rockets, and hundreds of armored vehicles to Ukraine, Biden added. “This will strengthen Ukraine’s hand as it heads into the winter,” he said.

The aid package underscores the United States’ commitment to ensuring Ukraine’s resilience, even as resources allocated for defense assistance near their limit.