Current:Home > FinanceUS expects to announce new weapons aid for Ukraine as Congress is stalled on more funding-InfoLens
US expects to announce new weapons aid for Ukraine as Congress is stalled on more funding
View Date:2024-12-23 21:45:34
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is expected to announce a $175 million package of military aid to Ukraine on Wednesday, including guided missiles for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), anti-armor systems and high-speed anti-radiation missiles, according to U.S. officials.
The latest aid comes as Congress remains stalled on legislation that would provide new funding for Ukraine as it battles to push back Russian forces, as well as money for Israel’s war with Hamas and other security needs. The Biden administration has said funding to aid Ukraine is running out, and the Pentagon packages of weapons and other equipment for the war have become much smaller in recent months.
The White House is seeking nearly $106 billion, but the bill has gotten bogged down in negotiations over border security and because of increasing reluctance from Republican lawmakers to approve significant spending on the Ukraine war. GOP lawmakers are insisting on policy changes to halt the flow of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border as a condition for the assistance.
As part of the push to break the deadlock, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was scheduled to address U.S. senators by video Tuesday, but Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he had to cancel his appearance.
The latest weapons package will be provided through presidential drawdown authority, or PDA, which pulls weapons from existing U.S. stockpiles and sends them quickly to the war front, said U.S. officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the aid has not yet been publicly announced.
Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, said Tuesday there is about $1.1 billion left in funding to replenish U.S. military stockpiles for weapons and equipment sent to Ukraine. And he said there is roughly $4.8 billion in drawdown authority still available.
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov is scheduled to meet with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon on Wednesday afternoon.
Although the war has been static along most of its more than 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line as wintry weather has set in, both sides have continued to launch airstrikes. Ukraine is working to keep up the pressure over the winter, in order to prevent Russia from solidifying battle lines.
U.S. officials said the new aid will also include AIM-9M and AIM-7 missiles for air defense; artillery rounds, vehicles to tow equipment, demolition munitions and other missiles and more than 4 million rounds of ammunition.
veryGood! (9)
Related
- Spirit Airlines cancels release of Q3 financial results as debt restructuring talks heat up
- LGBTQ+ hotlines experience influx in crisis calls amid 2024 presidential election
- Frustrated Americans await the economic changes they voted for with Trump
- Winnipeg Jets improve to 14-1, setting record for best NHL start
- NBPA reaches Kyle Singler’s family after cryptic Instagram video draws concern
- Georgia governor declares emergency in 23 counties inundated with heavy rain and flooding
- Tyreek Hill injury updates: Will Dolphins WR play in Week 10 game vs. Rams?
- New Democratic minority leader in Georgia Senate promises strong push for policy goals
- J.Crew Outlet Quietly Drops Their Black Friday Deals - Save Up to 70% off Everything, Styles Start at $12
- Brianna LaPaglia Says Zach Bryan Freaked the F--k Out at Her for Singing Morgan Wallen Song
Ranking
- Kentucky governor says investigators will determine what caused deadly Louisville factory explosion
- Georgia vs Ole Miss live updates: How to watch game, predictions, odds, Top 25 schedule
- Minnesota Man Who Told Ex She’d “End Up Like Gabby Petito” Convicted of Killing Her
- US Park Police officer won't be charged in shooting death of 17-year-old woken up by police
- NBPA reaches Kyle Singler’s family after cryptic Instagram video draws concern
- ATTN: Land’s End Just Revealed Their Christmas Sale—Score up to 60% off Everything (Yes We Mean It)
- Gunman who wounded a man before fleeing into the subway is arrested, New York City police say
- Michigan jury awards millions to a woman fired after refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccine
Recommendation
-
The Army’s answer to a lack of recruits is a prep course to boost low scores. It’s working
-
Barry Keoghan Has the Sweetest Response to Sabrina Carpenter's Grammy Nominations
-
With Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase leading way, Bengals running out of time to save season
-
New LA police chief sworn in as one of the highest-paid chiefs in the US
-
Stressing over Election Day? Try these apps and tools to calm your nerves
-
Board approves Arkansas site for planned 3,000-inmate prison despite objections
-
New Democratic minority leader in Georgia Senate promises strong push for policy goals
-
Kohl’s unveils Black Friday plans: Here’s when customers can expect deals