Biden Administration Poised to Approve $1 Billion Military Aid Package for Ukraine
Reports indicate that the Biden administration is on the verge of approving a significant military aid package for Ukraine, estimated to be valued at around $1 billion. Multiple sources have revealed to CNN that this aid package is in the works and awaiting President Joe Biden's approval post the Senate's passing of a new foreign aid funding bill, expected as early as Tuesday afternoon.
The Biden administration is working on a new aid package for Ukraine, estimated to be around $1 billion. Sources familiar with the matter have informed CNN that President Joe Biden will give his approval once the Senate passes a foreign aid funding bill, which could happen as soon as Tuesday afternoon.
During recent briefings to Congress, administration officials have hinted at the possibility of the US sending long-range ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) to Ukraine for the first time as part of this new aid package, according to three sources.
Last autumn, the US provided Ukraine with the midrange variant of the ATACMS missile system, capable of reaching approximately 100 miles. Additionally, there is a longer-range version that can reach up to 190 miles.
Ukrainian officials have repeatedly requested the long-range missile from the US, both privately and publicly, in order to target areas deeper within Russian territory. However, American officials have declined the requests, citing concerns about supplies and avoiding further escalation with Moscow.
US officials have become increasingly concerned about the situation on the Ukrainian battlefield in recent months. The administration's $60 billion supplemental funding request has faced gridlock in Congress, leading to a stall in US aid to Ukraine.
During a recent testimony, CIA Director Bill Burns warned that Ukraine could lose the war by the end of the year without US support. EUCOM commander Gen. Chris Cavoli also highlighted the significant advantage Russia holds over Ukraine in terms of artillery ammunition, with Russians outfiring Ukrainians at a ratio of 10-to-1. A NATO official further emphasized Russia's superiority in munitions, manpower, and equipment compared to Ukraine.
Sen. Mark Warner, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, expressed his hope on CBS' Face the Nation that ATACMS missiles will be sent to Ukraine by the end of next week. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that it should have happened six months ago, but the next best time is now. Warner praised the performance of the Ukrainians this week and highlighted the historical focus of America's defense forces on Russia. He emphasized the importance of getting additional equipment quickly, hoping that once the President receives the proposal by Tuesday or Wednesday, the shipments of the longer range ATACMS will be promptly launched.
The package is set to contain crucial munitions for Ukraine, such as air defense and artillery ammunition, Bradley fighting vehicles, and demolition weaponry, according to sources.
The legislation passed by the House and awaiting Senate approval mandates the administration to transfer the sought-after longer-range ATACMS "as soon as practicable," unless the president finds it would harm US national security interests.
The US will provide military aid to Ukraine by using presidential drawdown authority (PDA) to access its own stockpiles. This will be the first PDA package for Ukraine since March and it will be larger than the previous one, which was only around $300 million sourced from cost savings in the Pentagon.
A White House official mentioned that the contents of the PDA package for Ukraine are not disclosed. However, the US is ready to quickly send military aid to Ukraine once the supplemental is approved by the Senate and signed into law.
The US European Command is currently processing the weaponry to ensure that once the Senate approves the aid, it can be sent to Ukraine as quickly as possible, according to officials who spoke to CNN. Celeste Wallander, assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, mentioned that the Pentagon can start transferring the aid "within a week or two" after the funding is approved, as shared with lawmakers earlier this month.
This story has been updated with additional information.
Editor's P/S:
The Biden administration's proposed $1 billion aid package for Ukraine, including the potential provision of long-range ATACMS missiles, underscores the escalating urgency of the conflict. The administration's concerns about the situation on the battlefield and the potential loss of Ukraine by year-end highlight the need for immediate support. The Senate's swift passage of the foreign aid funding bill is crucial to expedite the delivery of this aid, as Ukraine desperately requires munitions, artillery, and equipment to counter Russia's significant advantage.
The inclusion of ATACMS missiles in the package would be a significant step, as it would provide Ukraine with the capability to strike targets deeper within Russian territory. However, the administration's previous reluctance to supply these missiles due to concerns about escalation and supply constraints raises questions about the timing and conditions of their potential deployment. As the conflict continues to intensify, the US and its allies must carefully balance their support for Ukraine while mitigating the risks of further escalation and ensuring the long-term sustainability of their own military stockpiles.
