The U.S. announced a new $250 million military aid package to Ukraine on Wednesday, which officials say could be the final aid delivery to the country unless Congress approves supplemental funding legislation, according to AP.
This latest round, which is the 54th aid package sent to Ukraine, will include artillery, anti-armor systems, ammunition, demolition, medical equipment and parts, air munitions, and other missiles. The hardware will be sourced through the Presidential Drawdown Authority using Pentagon stockpiles.
Pentagon spokesperson Marine Lt. Col. Garron Garn said in a statement that no additional funding exists to replace the depleted stock. Furthermore, the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative used to deliver long-term funding for future weapons contracts has depleted its funds.
“Without the supplemental funding, there will be a shortfall in replenishing U.S. military stocks, affecting American military readiness,” warned Garn on Wednesday, per AP.
The diminished stock means the Pentagon must “rigorously assess” future defense capabilities and aid programs, Garn said.
A $110 billion aid package for Israel, Ukraine, and other national security needs is currently being considered by members of Congress. The package, which President Joe Biden is urging Congress to pass, includes $61.4 billion for Ukraine, with about half of those funds being used to replenish Pentagon stocks of weapons and munitions. The rest of the funds earmarked for Ukraine would pay for economic and operational assistance, intelligence and military support, nuclear security, and Ukrainian refugee resettlement, The New York Times reported.
The aid package also allocates roughly $14 billion for Israel in its ongoing military campaign against Hamas, as well as nearly $14 billion for U.S. border security. Another $9 billion would be used for humanitarian aid for civilians in Palestine, Israel, and Ukraine. The remaining funds would focus on security concerns in the Asia-Pacific.
Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated in a Pentagon briefing last week that the U.S. will use up its remaining replenishments by the end of the year.
“Once those funds are obligated, we will have exhausted the funding available for us to provide security assistance to Ukraine,” said Ryder, per AP. “We would, again, continue to urge the passage of the supplemental that we’ve submitted. … It is imperative that we have the funds needed to ensure that they get the most urgent battlefield capabilities that they require.”
