**US Sends $3.4 Billion in Direct Aid to Ukraine, Says Yellen**
The United States has made a payment of $3.4 billion to Ukraine as direct budget support. This is the final portion of funds allocated under the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act 2024.
According to US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, economic assistance from the US and its allies is crucial for Ukraine’s ability to defend its sovereignty and achieve a just peace. The direct budget support continues to be conditioned on reforms related to strengthening law enforcement, improving transparency and efficiency of government institutions, and bolstering anti-corruption rules and procedures.
**New $2.5 Billion Security Package Announced**
Earlier in the day, US President Joe Biden announced a new security assistance package for Ukraine worth nearly $2.5 billion. This package includes immediate and long-term military support, including air defense systems, artillery, and other critical weaponry.
The announcements come just a few weeks before Biden’s term ends and Donald Trump becomes the new US president. Under the Biden administration, the US provided over $60 billion in military aid and $26 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine.
**Russia Continues to Suffer Heavy Losses**
Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said that Russia continues to carry out “human wave” assaults, suffering record losses. The capital endured over 500 air raid alerts, according to Kyiv City Military Administration head Serhii Popko on December 30.
**Ukraine Receives Additional Aid**
The US will provide Ukraine with $15 billion, backed by future revenues from frozen Russian assets, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on December 30. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha visited Damascus on the same day, marking the first official Ukrainian delegation to Syria in years.
**Russia Used 43 Drones Against Ukraine**
Russia used 43 drones against Ukraine overnight, the Ukrainian Air Force reported on December 30. This number includes 2,010 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.
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