**US Weapons Aid to Ukraine is Running Out**
The US has been sending billions of dollars’ worth of military aid to Ukraine since 2022, but most of the funding is now gone. The last package approved by former President Joe Biden used up all the money allocated for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
This program provided $32.7 billion to buy new equipment for Ukraine. The final package included air defense missiles and ammunition for rocket systems like HIMARS, as well as artillery shells. However, even before this, the Pentagon had requested only $300 million in funding for 2025.
Another fund, called “drawdowns”, has been sending money to replenish stockpiles of old US weapons sent to Ukraine. This fund has $3.8 billion left out of its original $45.8 billion. The new Congress still needs to approve a budget for 2025.
**Trump’s Influence**
Now that the funds are running low, President Donald Trump has significant leverage over Ukraine. He seems to want to use this power to negotiate a deal on Ukraine’s mineral reserves. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is open to such a deal.
US weapons have been crucial to Ukraine’s defense, making up about 40% of their total arms supply. However, the slow pace of physical deliveries has caused controversy, especially since last year.
**Pentagon Says Most Deliveries Have Been Made**
According to the Pentagon, most of what was allocated has already been delivered. The Department of Defense says they have delivered 89% of critical munitions, 94% of anti-armor systems, and 75% of other fire capabilities committed to Ukraine through Presidential Drawdown Authority.
The remaining arms are mostly old armored vehicles, which will be delivered by the summer. However, delivery times for more critical equipment can sometimes be longer because they need repair first.
**Ukraine’s Actual Needs**
Despite the importance of US weapons aid, Ukrainian experts say their actual needs have changed over time. They now require simpler things like 155 mm explosives and artillery systems, which are not as expensive or high–tech.
“The main thing Ukraine needs right now is artillery,” said Kateryna Bondar, a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C.