US President Joe Biden has secretly requested an additional $24 billion from Congress to support Ukraine and replenish US weapons stocks previously sent to Kyiv, according to documents reviewed by Politico.
The proposal was reportedly submitted on Nov. 25 and must be addressed by Dec. 20 to avoid a potential government shutdown.
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The funding includes $16 billion to restock American military reserves and $8 billion for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). Under the USAI, the Pentagon contracts manufacturers to produce weapons for Ukraine instead of drawing directly from US military stockpiles.
The request has reportedly drawn criticism from some Republican lawmakers, who argue that additional aid to Ukraine undermines the possibility of peace talks.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently stated that the US aims to equip Ukraine to sustain its defense through 2025 and approach negotiations from a position of strength. He also pledged to utilize all funds allocated by Congress before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon confirmed it is sending weapons to Ukraine weekly, using $9 billion previously approved for military aid. The latest $275 million package, delivered on Nov. 20, includes anti-aircraft weapons, artillery shells, Javelin anti-tank systems, and other equipment.
US President Joe Biden has quietly requested Congress to approve an additional $24 billion in funding, with $16 billion allocated to replenishing American weapons stockpiles previously sent to Ukraine and $8 billion designated for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), according to Politico.
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The request, confirmed by two sources familiar with the matter, was reportedly submitted on Nov.25. The Biden administration has urged Congress to consider the appeal by Dec. 20, proposing it be included in broader government funding measures to avoid a potential shutdown, Politico notes.
Under the USAI program, the Pentagon would secure contracts with manufacturers to supply weapons to Ukraine rather than drawing directly from U.S. military reserves. However, the proposal has sparked criticism from some Republican lawmakers, who argue against providing additional aid to Ukraine, suggesting it undermines the prospects for peace negotiations.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently stated that U.S. support would enable Ukraine to "fight through 2025" and pursue peace talks from a strong position. He emphasized the White House’s commitment to using all previously approved funds before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20.
In a related development, the Pentagon announced plans to deliver weekly arms shipments using the $9 billion already allocated for Ukraine. The most recent package, sent on November 20, was valued at $275 million and included anti-aircraft systems, HIMARS rocket launchers, artillery shells, Javelin anti-tank ammunition, and other military equipment.
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