The United States is providing up to $425 million in additional military aid for Ukraine in a package expected as soon as Friday, two U.S. officials tell VOA.
The president's drawdown authority is being used to deliver to Kyiv up to $125 million in weaponry from Pentagon stockpiles, according to the officials who spoke to VOA on condition of anonymity ahead of the announcement.
The package marks the 50th time this authority has been used for Ukraine since Russia invaded it in February 2022. The package includes more GMLRS rockets for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, more munitions for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, more 105 mm and 155 mm rounds, 12 heavy transport trucks and other equipment such as cold weather gear to continue fighting in winter.
In addition, the package expected Friday will include up to $300 million in Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds, which focuses on future needs, for laser-guided munitions to shoot down drones, according to the two officials.
The Pentagon had run out of USAI funds and had about $5 billion left to pull from its weapons stockpiles. According to the officials, the $300 million in USAI funding that is being provided to Ukraine is a prorated amount that the Pentagon has pulled from the continuing resolution, the measure that is keeping the government funded based on last year's funding until Congress passes a new budget.
Congress approved a continuing resolution to prevent a government shutdown, but that continuing resolution will expire on November 17.
The U.S. has provided about $44 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's unprovoked invasion.
