President Biden Announces $325 Million Military Aid Package for Ukraine Amid Congress Budget Deadlock
President Joe Biden has revealed a new military aid package valued at $325 million for Ukraine, which includes additional air defense capabilities. This announcement comes as the US Congress grapples with difficulties in reaching a compromise to avoid a federal government shutdown. The package encompasses counter-airstrike systems, dual-purpose improved conventional munitions, anti-tank weapons, and more, according to the US Department of Defence.
However, it does not include the longer-range ATACMS missiles requested by Kyiv, which can strike targets up to 300 km away. During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington, discussions regarding increased aid for Ukraine were held with President Biden, US Congress members, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
This package is separate from the additional $24 billion sought by Biden for Ukraine, a topic of contention in the Congress budget deadlock, which may result in a US federal government shutdown after September 30. US military aid to Ukraine has amounted to $43.9 billion since February 2022, as per government figures.
