The Biden administration is gearing up to provide a new aid package for Ukraine worth approximately $1 billion. The Senate has already passed the legislation, and it is now awaiting President Biden's signature, expected as soon as Wednesday.
As part of this aid package, the US is likely to send Ukraine long-range ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) for the first time. Last fall, Ukraine received the midrange variant of the ATACMS missile system, capable of reaching about 100 miles. The longer-range version can extend up to 190 miles, fulfilling Ukraine's request to target deeper behind Russian lines.
American officials have expressed concerns about the dire situation on the Ukrainian battlefield, with CIA Director Bill Burns warning that Ukraine could lose the war by the end of the year without US support. EUCOM commander Gen. Chris Cavoli highlighted the significant advantage Russia holds over Ukraine in terms of artillery ammunition.
The aid package is expected to include additional munitions such as air defense and artillery ammunition, Bradley fighting vehicles, and demolition weaponry. The legislation mandates the transfer of the longer-range ATACMS 'as soon as practicable,' unless it poses a risk to US national security interests.
The military aid will be sourced from US stockpiles through presidential drawdown authority. This aid package, the first since March, is significantly larger than the previous one, totaling around $300 million.
US European Command is working to expedite the processing of weaponry to ensure efficient delivery to Ukraine. Pentagon officials have indicated that aid transfers could commence 'within a week or two' after the legislation is enacted.
