US releases final package of authorised military aid for Ukraine as funding stalls in Congress
- US$250 million package primarily includes air-defence and artillery munitions pulled from Pentagon stockpiles
- Release of further funds is being blocked by a dispute in the US Congress between Republicans and Democrats
The US government announced what it said was the last remaining package of weapons available for Ukraine under existing authorisation, with Congress now needing to decide whether to keep supporting Kyiv’s battle against Russian invasion.
“The year’s final package” includes air-defence and artillery munitions, the State Department said in a statement on Wednesday. It added that Congress, where Republicans are split on supporting Ukraine, should “act swiftly” to renew the flow.
US President Joe Biden has made backing Ukraine a priority and US weapons and financial assistance have been crucial in helping the pro-Western country battle against a far larger attacking Russian force.
However, right-wing Republicans have led a push to halt the effort, refusing to authorise new budget outlays if the Democrats don’t first agree to sweeping, tough new measures against illegal migration over the US southern border.
The final tranche of aid is worth up to US$250 million and includes “air-defence munitions, other air-defence system components, additional ammunition for high mobility artillery rocket systems, 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, anti-armour munitions, and over 15 million rounds of ammunition,” the State Department said.