The Biden administration is preparing to unveil a major final military aid package for Ukraine during Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's upcoming visit to Germany on Thursday, according to senior defense officials.
The announcement will come as Austin meets with representatives from approximately 50 partner nations at Ramstein Air Base for what will be his final meeting with the Ukraine defense contact group he established following Russia's 2022 invasion.
While the exact amount remains undisclosed, officials indicated the package would be "substantial" but would not exhaust the roughly $4 billion in remaining congressionally authorized funding for Ukraine. More than a couple billion dollars would likely remain available for the incoming Trump administration.
The new aid package aims to bolster Ukraine's military capabilities as the country launches a second offensive in Russia's Kursk region while facing continued missile attacks and advances from Russian forces. Both sides appear to be maneuvering for stronger negotiating positions ahead of the presidential transition on January 20th.
To date, the international coalition supporting Ukraine has provided over $126 billion in weapons, training, and military assistance, with the United States contributing $66 billion of that total. The aid has included ammunition, fighter jets, air defense systems, tanks, and counter-drone capabilities.
Defense officials noted that approximately 80-90% of promised military equipment from U.S. stockpiles has already been delivered to Ukraine. The administration recently announced a separate $1.25 billion aid package on December 30th as part of its accelerated efforts to provide military support before President Biden leaves office.
Biden defense officials confirmed they have been coordinating with Trump's transition team regarding Ukraine-related matters they consider priorities. The latest package is expected to be drawn from existing stockpiles with the goal of delivering most weapons before the presidential transition.