The United States is poised to unveil a substantial weapons package for Ukraine as early as next week, but due to inventory shortages, the delivery of these arms may be delayed. With only $5.9 billion remaining in Presidential Drawdown Authority for Ukraine, which expires in less than two weeks, the Pentagon is under pressure to utilize these funds before they lapse ¹. This authority has been crucial in supplying Ukraine with arms and equipment directly from American stockpiles.
The impending package is expected to be significantly larger than previous announcements, which have hovered around $200 million in recent months. It will likely include essential artillery, air defenses, and munitions critical to Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia ¹. However, with dwindling stockpiles, the US may adopt a new approach, announcing larger aid packages that will take months to deliver.
The Defense Department has urged Congress to extend the use of these funds, but prospects for this extension have diminished following the House of Representatives’ failure to pass a continuing resolution ¹. Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh emphasized the intention to utilize every dollar of the available authority.
Initially intended as a short-term solution, Presidential drawdown packages have been pivotal in quickly supplying Ukraine with arms and equipment since the start of the war. More sophisticated equipment has been sent through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which purchases weapons directly from manufacturers for future delivery ¹.
In light of the expiring drawdown authority, the Biden administration has shifted its approach to a longer-term commitment, enabling continued support to Ukraine through 2025. The US estimates Ukraine will require at least $500 million in presidential drawdown authority per month through fiscal year 2025 ¹. Additionally, the US is considering allocating $10 billion from seized Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine’s security assistance ¹.
Western nations have frozen nearly $300 billion in Russian assets in European and US bank accounts as part of sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 ¹. The international community’s continued support remains vital as Ukraine navigates this ongoing conflict.
