US commits $500M in new aid to Ukraine, strengthening air defence systems

The United States will provide a new $500 million military aid package to Ukraine, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin announced during a contact group meeting at the Ramstein airbase in Germany, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

Speaking about the new support, Austin said, "I am announcing today a new aid package for Ukraine worth about $500 million, which includes additional missiles for Ukraine's air defence, munitions, including air-to-ground, and equipment to support Ukrainian F-16s."

He continued, "Here in Ramstein, I am once again determined to do everything I can to help Ukraine live in freedom and security, and to create a more just and honourable world. And our work together must continue."

According to the Pentagon, the new package will include AIM-7, RIM-7, and AIM-9M missiles for Ukraine’s air defence systems.

The day before, the Associated Press reported, citing sources, that the outgoing Joe Biden administration was finalizing its last military aid package to Ukraine, though the amount was not specified. Sources also expressed uncertainty about whether all of the remaining $4 billion approved by Congress for Ukraine’s military assistance would be used. Reuters added that much of the weapons and ammunition had already been sent to Ukraine, with the remainder in transit.

As of now, the US has provided more than $174 billion in aid to Ukraine, with 71 military aid packages already allocated, not including the costs of replenishing arms stocks. The Wall Street Journal reported in December that Ukraine expects more than $120 billion in military aid from Western countries in 2025.

A new meeting of Ukraine's allies in the Ramstein format is taking place today, January 9, after a four-month hiatus. The meeting, chaired by Austin, also includes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has arrived in Germany to take part. According to Zelenskyy, the primary focus will be strengthening Ukraine’s air defence system.

The Pentagon also indicated that the meeting will focus on military support for Ukraine through 2027, with plans to develop roadmaps to ensure continued donor support for Kyiv in the coming years.

By Tamilla Hasanova