**US Announces New Military Aid Package for Ukraine**
The US is preparing to announce a new military aid package worth $275 million for Ukraine, according to reports from the Associated Press (AP) on November 19. This latest package comes as the Biden administration rushes to deliver the remaining $7 billion in military aid to Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
**Concerns Over Future Aid**
The US is concerned that a future Trump administration would halt weapons shipments to Ukraine, especially since Trump has said he would stop military aid unless Ukraine agrees to hold peace negotiations with Russia. To address this concern, the Biden administration plans to expedite the delivery of these funds ahead of Trump’s inauguration in January 2025.
**What’s Included in the Package**
The new aid package will include:
* HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) ammunition
* Artillery shells
* Javelin surface-to-air missiles
* Spare parts and equipment
This package will be provided under presidential drawdown authority, using existing US stockpiles. The US recently announced a $425 million military aid package for Ukraine on November 1.
**Ukraine’s Military Aid Needs**
President Volodymyr Zelensky said in October that the US has only transferred about 10% of the $61 billion aid approved by Congress in April 2024 to Ukraine. With $4.3 billion remaining to pull existing weapons stocks, and a further $2.1 billion for contracts with US defense companies, this new aid package is crucial for Ukraine’s military needs.
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