**Biden’s Final $500 Million Military Aid Package to Ukraine**
The Biden administration is set to announce a final $500 million military aid package to Ukraine on January 9. The package, drawn from the Pentagon’s existing stockpile, is expected to be the last from the outgoing administration before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
**Unused Funds Remain**
Despite previous commitments to exhaust remaining funds, approximately $3.8 billion will remain unused under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) program. This means that the incoming Trump administration has the option to use these funds for future military aid packages.
**Trump’s Unclear Stance on Ukraine Aid**
President-elect Trump and his team have been critical of U.S. financial support for Ukraine in the past. However, it is unclear how the incoming administration will approach the conflict and its impact on military aid. A recent report suggests that Trump may not halt U.S. military support for Ukraine.
**Zelensky Seeks Diplomatic Resolution**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains committed to pursuing a diplomatic resolution by 2025. He has proposed that Ukraine purchase U.S. weapons using $300 billion in frozen Russian assets.
**Russia’s Actions**
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, with reports of damage to infrastructure and civilian casualties. The Ukrainian military reported an attack on the Kristal Plant used to supply fuel to a nearby airbase, while Russia launched 64 Shahed-type attack drones against Ukraine overnight.
**International Response**
A meeting co-organized by Finland and Estonia will focus on enhancing NATO’s presence in the Baltic Sea and responding to risks posed by Russia’s alleged “shadow fleet.” The U.S. President-elect has called for NATO member countries to increase their defense spending benchmark from 2% of GDP to 5%.