Biden accelerates security assistance for Ukraine before term’s end

US President Joe Biden has directed the Department of Defense to allocate all remaining security assistance funding for Ukraine before the conclusion of his term.

Thus, Biden has authorized $5.5 billion in Presidential Drawdown Authority to facilitate the distribution of the remaining funds from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative by the end of the year, ensuring full utilization of means allocated by Congress, Caliber.Az reports per White House.

This funding is aimed at facilitating the transfer of US military equipment to Ukraine while replenishing US stockpiles.

In line with this initiative, the Department of Defense has announced a security assistance package worth $2.4 billion through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. The package will enhance Ukraine's air defence systems, provide Unmanned Aerial Systems, and deliver air-to-ground munitions. It will also bolster Ukraine’s defence industrial base and support its maintenance and sustainment needs.

Moreover, to strengthen Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities, the President has committed to supplying the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), a long-range precision-guided munition.

Biden has ordered the Department of Defense to refurbish and supply an additional Patriot air defense battery, along with more Patriot missiles.

This decision builds on earlier plans to redirect US air defence exports to Ukraine, which will see hundreds of additional Patriot and AMRAAM missiles delivered over the next year, thereby enhancing Ukraine’s ability to protect its cities and civilians.

Furthermore, a training programme for Ukrainian F-16 pilots is set to take place over the upcoming year, aiming to train an additional 18 pilots.

By Khagan İsayev