**US Faces Deadline to Deliver $5.6 Billion in Military Aid**
The US may not be able to deliver the remaining $5.6 billion in military aid to Ukraine before Donald Trump takes office next month, according to a report by The New York Times on December 17.
A US official told the NYT that some funds from the presidential drawdown authority would be allocated, but it’s unlikely that the full amount will be spent by the outgoing administration of President Joe Biden. This authority allows the President to transfer weapons from the Pentagon’s stockpile instead of ordering them from manufacturers.
The US has already given over $60 billion worth of military aid to Ukraine during the Biden administration. There are concerns that Trump’s victory might lead to the US withdrawing its military support for Ukraine, leaving it up to European allies to help Kyiv resist Russia’s war.
**Ukraine’s Allies Step Up Support**
Slovakia is concerned about its gas imports through Ukraine from Russia’s energy giant Gazprom. Ukraine’s allies have doubled down on economic and military support for Kyiv in attempts to strengthen the nation’s hand before potential peace talks.
Andriy Yermak, head of the Presidential Office, said that “real negotiations for a lasting peace will begin only when the enemy no longer has the resources to continue the war.”
**Russia Suffers Heavy Losses**
Russian forces have suffered heavy casualties in Ukraine, with 1,580 casualties reported just over the past day. A senior US military official said that many Russian soldiers lack battle experience, contributing to the high casualty rate.
**Ukraine Makes Progress in Film and Arms**
The Ukrainian documentaries “The Porcelain War” and “Once Upon a Time in Ukraine” have been shortlisted for the 97th Academy Awards. German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has received an order to supply Ukraine with additional Marder infantry fighting vehicles.
**New Peace Envoy Plans Visit**
Keith Kellogg, Trump’s incoming Ukraine peace envoy, plans to visit Kyiv and several European capitals in early January as part of the new administration’s effort to address the Russia-Ukraine war.