Ukraine is set to promptly receive military equipment from the U.S. through the Presidential Drawdown Authority following the approval of the $61 billion funding law, as announced by Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Major General Pat Ryder during a briefing.
He stated that the transfer of weaponry would occur within a few days, leveraging the efficient logistical channels established within NATO and partner nations, known as the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
Read more: US Runs Out of Money to Finance One of Two Security Programs for Ukraine, How Much is Left for the Other
However, Major General Pat Ryder declined to comment on unverified reports regarding the size of the initial $1 billion package and refrained from disclosing its specific contents until the funding law is finalized. He did indicate that the initial aid would prioritize addressing Ukraine’s most “urgent needs”.
“I think it’s a good assumption to expect that it’ll include air defense capabilities as well as artillery, ammunition,” Major General Pat Ryder noted.
This assistance package marks the beginning of a series of aid deliveries under a new U.S. funding initiative. In October 2023, due to the U.S. fiscal year change and budgetary constraints, Ukraine did not receive the anticipated funding. Only residual funds, primarily from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) program, which orders weapons directly from manufacturers, were allocated until early November 2023.
In late December, the final $250 million package was disbursed under the Presidential Drawdown Authority. Subsequently, a single emergency aid package worth $300 million was granted, albeit with unclear explanations regarding its delivery and processing at the Pentagon.
Read more: How Many Weapons the USA Sent to Ukraine in 2023: Hundreds of Armored Vehicles, Over 1 Million Shells, and More
