Biden administration to announce $275 million Ukraine weapons package this week

The Biden administration is set to unveil a $275 million weapons package for Ukraine this week, according to a U.S. official speaking to Fox News. This package, funded through the presidential drawdown authority (PDA), will include a range of weapons such as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket (HIMAR) system, 155 mm artillery shells, drones, and Javelin surface-to-air missiles. Notably, this package will be delivered to Ukraine more quickly than traditional Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) packages, as the weapons will come directly from U.S. stockpiles.

Following the announcement of this new weapons package, the U.S. will have $6.9 billion remaining in PDA funding and $2.21 billion in USAI funding for Ukraine. This comes on the heels of a previous $425 million supply of weapons and equipment provided to Ukraine last month to address immediate air defense, rocket systems, and armored vehicle needs.

The timing of this new weapons package is significant, as just two days ago President Biden authorized Ukraine to use American long-range missiles on Russian soil. In response, Ukrainian forces reportedly launched six U.S.-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) into Russian territory. Russia claims to have shot down five of these missiles, with the sixth sustaining damage that led to debris falling near a Russian military facility.

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh noted that Russia has escalated the conflict with Ukraine by deploying over 11,000 soldiers from North Korea to fight alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region. Despite these developments, the Biden administration remains committed to providing Ukraine with the necessary support on the battlefield.

It is important to note that the Department of Defense (DOD) does not view the arming of Ukraine as escalatory, but rather as a fulfillment of the administration’s commitment to supporting Ukraine. While there may be concerns about additional North Korean troops entering the region, the DOD acknowledges that there are already a significant number of DPRK soldiers embedded with Russian forces in the area.

In conclusion, the Biden administration’s decision to provide Ukraine with this new weapons package underscores the ongoing support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. The situation in the region remains fluid, and the U.S. remains committed to assisting Ukraine in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This article was written by Greg Wehner, a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital. For story tips and ideas, you can reach out to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com or connect on Twitter @GregWehner.